- The 115 WiFi hotspots are live at schools, clinics and traditional council offices across rural villages in the Eastern Cape.
- Nyandeni mayor Viwe Ndamase says residents are using the hotspots to apply for jobs, get information and run small businesses.
Nyandeni Local Municipality has brought free internet to rural villages in the Eastern Cape, installing 115 public WiFi hotspots at schools, clinics, traditional council offices and other public sites.
Mayor Viwe Ndamase announced the rollout at the municipality’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Summit, held at Dan’s Country Lodge in Mthatha.
Ndamase said the project is meant to close the gap between people who have access to information and services and those who do not.
“Our ruralness and geographic location must not define us. We are a 21st century municipality committed to ensuring our people are connected,” he said.
The hotspots are already in use. Some villages have more than one hotspot because demand is high.
“The hotspots are there, they are being used as we speak. We are not here to start. We have already started. This is work in progress,” Ndamase said.
The municipality worked with partners including the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the office of the premier.
Residents are applying for jobs, sending emails, getting information and running small businesses.
Ndamase said internet access now feels like a basic service because people notice when it is missing. The municipality plans to grow the network so that more villages can connect.
South African Local Government Association (SALGA) ICT Officer Malungelo Mtati also spoke at the summit. He said a better internet can help people create their own opportunities and start their own projects and businesses.
Mtati said municipalities must also improve their own digital systems to work better and serve communities faster.
He said communities should not fear artificial intelligence, and urged residents to take part in building local technologies while adapting to changes it brings.
Pictured above: Nyandeni Local Municipality mayor Viwe Ndamase speaking at the municipality’s ICT conference over the weekend.
Image source: Nyandeni Local Municipality
