SA Connect is a project aimed at providing Wi-Fi access to communities throughout South Africa and increasing broadband penetration while stimulating economic growth. On November 4, 2023, the second phase of the project was launched in Mount Ayliff, Eastern Cape Province. This initiative has created jobs for 120 skilled professionals and semi-skilled laborers and is projected to generate employment opportunities for 4,505 skilled professionals and semi-skilled workers. The project plans to establish over 32,000 community Wi-Fi hotspots and achieve 80% internet connectivity for the nation’s population by the end of the 2024/25 fiscal year.
What is SA Connect and what are its main objectives?
SA Connect is a project aimed at closing the digital gap and providing Wi-Fi access to communities throughout South Africa. Its main objectives include increasing broadband penetration, decreasing broadband prices, and stimulating economic growth. The project plans to establish over 32,000 community Wi-Fi hotspots, benefiting over 5.5 million households, and achieve 80% internet connectivity for the nation’s population by the end of the 2024/25 fiscal year.
On November 4, 2023, the small town of Mount Ayliff in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, celebrated the commencement of the second phase of the SA Connect Project. Led by Minister Mondli Gungubele and Deputy Minister Philly Mapulane, this bold initiative’s primary goal is to close the digital gap and supply Wi-Fi access to communities throughout South Africa. The project aims to achieve 80% internet connectivity for the nation’s population by the end of the 2024/25 fiscal year.
Collaborative Efforts to Improve Broadband Access
SA Connect’s main objectives include increasing broadband penetration, decreasing broadband prices, and stimulating economic growth. In partnership with Sentech and Broad Band Infraco (BBI), the project plans to establish more than 32,000 community Wi-Fi hotspots, benefiting over 5.5 million households. Local SMMEs and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are also participating in the project, offering their knowledge and resources.
The inauguration ceremony in Mount Ayliff was a significant event attended by various dignitaries and high-ranking officials, such as the Eastern Cape MEC for COGTA, Hon. Zolile Williams, the District Executive Mayor, Cllr Vukile Mhlelembana, and the executive leadership of DCDT entities. The infrastructure rollout began in four Mount Ayliff villages: Chitwa, Bhonga, Lugelweni, and Dutyini. A Sentech tower located at Simakamaka Mountain serves as the connectivity anchor, providing a direct line of sight to the villages.
Employment Opportunities and Economic Development
The project has created jobs for 120 skilled professionals and semi-skilled laborers, significantly contributing to the region’s economic growth. It is projected that the overall implementation of Wi-Fi access will result in the formation of 75 small to medium-sized businesses, generating employment opportunities for 4,505 skilled professionals and semi-skilled workers.
At the launch event, Minister Gungubele stated that the days of poverty in the area were coming to an end. He highlighted that the project would help eliminate the rural-urban divide, as villagers no longer need to travel long distances to towns to access services such as banking, education, e-commerce, and various government services.
Affordable and Reliable Connectivity for Local Communities
Local residents confirmed the Minister’s remarks, expressing enthusiasm about the affordability and dependability of the connectivity. A household can access unlimited, robust internet for 30 days by paying R249 per month. The project has also enabled cheaper data costs, with prices as low as R5 per 1 Gig for a day.
The connectivity rollout has had a transformative impact on Mount Ayliff’s residents. Small businesses, informal traders, local schools, and traditional leaders have all experienced enhancements in their lives and work efficiency due to the availability of stable internet connections. The Mount Ayliff segment of the project has surpassed its original goal of connecting 500 households and currently has a waiting list of potential subscribers.
Expansion of SA Connect to Other Districts
In the coming weeks, the department aims to launch additional pilot projects for Phase Two of SA Connect in Harry Gwala Municipality in Kwazulu-Natal, as well as Modimolle Local Municipality in the Waterberg District of Limpopo. By March 2024, the connectivity rollout is expected to reach 16 districts.
The ongoing expansion of SA Connect has the potential to bring significant benefits to South Africa. By closing the digital divide and improving connectivity for millions of households, the project not only promotes economic growth but also fosters social inclusion and greater access to essential services. The successful launch of Phase Two in Mount Ayliff signifies a critical step forward in the nation’s continuing journey toward a more connected and thriving future.
1. What is SA Connect and what are its main objectives?
SA Connect is a project aimed at closing the digital gap and providing Wi-Fi access to communities throughout South Africa. Its main objectives include increasing broadband penetration, decreasing broadband prices, and stimulating economic growth.
2. When was the second phase of SA Connect launched and where?
The second phase of SA Connect was launched on November 4, 2023, in Mount Ayliff, Eastern Cape Province.
3. How many community Wi-Fi hotspots does SA Connect plan to establish, and who will benefit?
The project plans to establish over 32,000 community Wi-Fi hotspots, benefiting over 5.5 million households.
4. Who are the collaborative partners of SA Connect and what is their role?
Sentech and Broad Band Infraco (BBI) are the collaborative partners of SA Connect. They are involved in establishing community Wi-Fi hotspots. Local SMMEs and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are also participating in the project.
5. How many jobs has the SA Connect project created, and how many more are projected to be generated?
The project has created jobs for 120 skilled professionals and semi-skilled laborers. It is projected that the overall implementation of Wi-Fi access will result in the formation of 75 small to medium-sized businesses, generating employment opportunities for 4,505 skilled professionals and semi-skilled workers.
6. What are the benefits of SA Connect to the local communities of Mount Ayliff?
The project has enabled affordable and reliable connectivity for local communities, allowing them to access services such as banking, education, e-commerce, and various government services without traveling long distances. It has also resulted in enhancements in small businesses, informal traders, local schools, and traditional leaders, leading to greater work efficiency.
7. What is the cost of internet access for local residents in Mount Ayliff?
A household can access unlimited, robust internet for 30 days by paying R249 per month. The project has also enabled cheaper data costs, with prices as low as R5 per 1 Gig for a day.
8. What are the future plans for SA Connect?
In the coming weeks, the department aims to launch additional pilot projects for Phase Two of SA Connect in Harry Gwala Municipality in Kwazulu-Natal and Modimolle Local Municipality in the Waterberg District of Limpopo. By March 2024, the connectivity rollout is expected to reach 16 districts.
