Hope reboots in Modder East as local computer school receives 20 laptops
After being retrenched, Samuel Nkotoba transformed his garage into a lifeline for computer literacy. Now, thanks to a generous donation, he is ready to grow his school.
Samuel Nkotoba is a man who didn’t let retrenchment stand in the way of his dreams. After losing his job as a flight attendant in 2020, he turned his personal setback into a lifeline for his community.
In 2017, he had already started an internet café in his home garage in Modder East. When financial constraints hit after his retrenchment, he reimagined the small business and transformed it into a computer school. That is how QS Web Computer School was born.
“I realised many people not only lack computer skills, but they’re also afraid of technology. They think they’ll break something if they make a mistake,” Nkotoba said. “I decided to teach not just computer basics, but also help people earn qualifications.”
What started as a youth-focused project soon expanded. Nkotoba noticed that many adults lacked even the most basic digital skills.
“There were adults asking me to type letters for them, and I was shocked that they didn’t know how. That’s when I realised computer lessons were needed for all age groups,” he explained.
However, due to a lack of funding, the school had recently become non-operational. That changed when a local pastor connected Nkotoba with the Help Start Education Foundation.
After learning about his mission, the NGO stepped in and donated 20 laptops to QS Web Computer School. The handover took place on July 2. Jared Shongwe from Help Start said the NGO’s mission is to empower learners through access to education.
“Our vision is to help students achieve education, which we believe is one of the most powerful tools to overcome poverty. Collaboration like this allows us to expand our reach and uplift communities,” said Shongwe.
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Some of the school’s elderly students attended the handover. Audrey Makhubedu, a senior citizen, praised Nkotoba’s people skills.
“He knows how to engage with people of all ages. He worked so well with us and I’ve seen how he connects with the youth too,” she said.
Another student, Thandi Mtsweni, said the relaunch of the school would benefit not just Modder East, but nearby communities like Skoonplaas as well.
“These areas don’t have many computer schools or internet cafés. Now, people will finally have a place to grow their knowledge,” said Mtsweni.
Nkotoba was overcome with emotion when he received news of the donation.
“I can’t even describe the feeling. It was overwhelming. After everything I’ve been through, this was an answered prayer. Thanks to their generous contribution, my school will operate again,” he said.
Smiling brightly, Nkotoba shared his vision for the future.
“I can see it clearly. I dream of turning this school into an IT college one day. Knowing I can help empower my community fills me with purpose.”
Classes will resume on weekdays from 08:30 once the school reopens. For more information, contact Nkotoba on 063 233 6103 or 078 953 1253.
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