Telkom’s contribution to the United Nations SDGs

4.1

By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.

We materially impact proficiency in mathematics and science at secondary school level and support the development of teachers in pedagogical and content areas (specifically science, technology, English and mathematics). The Telkom Foundation invested R71.2 million in education, digital skills and social development.

4.4

By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.

Telkom provides teachers and learners with an integrated ICT solution to bridge the digital divide and improve the quality of teaching and learning.

8.2

Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high value‑added and labour-intensive sectors.

Our products and services predominantly enable technology, which is a key driver of economic growth. Through investing in our networks and infrastructure, we increase our positive impact on this target.

Invested in innovation and launched new value propositions that contribute to economic growth
and sustainability.

8.3

Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalisation and growth of SMMEs, including through access to financial services.

We materially impact this target through our procurement policy, with specific consideration of B‑BBEE, ESD and investment activities, and the development and support of e-commerce solutions to support entrepreneurs and grow SMMEs.

8.5

By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

Telkom is an equal opportunity employer regardless of gender, race or physical ability. Telkom’s positive impact is material with respect to quality education, skills development programmes, our remuneration policies, workforce diversity and investment in ESD.

8.6

By 2030, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.

We directly employ a significant number of people and support a greater number of indirect jobs by providing business to local organisations and through our ESD programmes (see SDG 8.5).

Telkom is committed to developing youth through internships and training opportunities.

9.1

Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human wellbeing, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.

We have a material/positive impact on this target through:

• Extending and upgrading our infrastructure
• Connecting remote, less-included communities
• Stimulating economic participation
• Supporting IoT-related innovation

Telkom can further increase its positive impact through the provision of affordable products and services, supporting equitable access to connectivity for all.

9.3

Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises in developing countries to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets.

We contribute to this target through our ESD programmes (refer to SDG 8.3). We also provide other industries with a platform for technological advances through our products and services.

9.4

By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries acting in accordance with their respective capabilities.

We increase our positive impact by leveraging Gyro and its infrastructure upgrades to increase resource-use efficiency and adopt clean and environmentally sound technologies. This includes:

• Solar PV expansion
• Energy-efficiency initiatives
• Moving from copper to fibre cables further increases the use of environmentally friendly technologies and products
• Water and energy smart meters at high-consuming sites to optimise consumption

9.5

Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private R&D spending.

We have a material opportunity to increase our positive impact on research and innovation in the ICT space through partnerships and utilising our current platforms, such as the Openserve Centre of Excellence. Telkom marked a key milestone in signing a five-year strategic partnership with the University of the Witwatersrand to launch the first Industry Solutions Lab as part of the Wits Innovation Centre.

12.5

By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.

Our business activities, products and services lead to high volumes of e‑waste, such as batteries, copper cabling, phones and electronic equipment. There are significant opportunities for Telkom to decrease its negative impact through, among others, recycling of end-of-life products.