Provincial Treasury provides free internet connectivity to rural communities
Friday, 30 July 2018
The MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Mr Sikhumbuzo Kholwane launched a satellite connectivity project in Marapyane village, in Dr JS Moroka Municipality today.
The initiative which is implemented within the broader context of driving digital inclusion of rural communities will benefit hundreds of learners and students from three villages in the province.
The Provincial Treasury has identified three centres, in the remote areas of the province, which will be supported with infrastructure that will enable the community to have free access to internet.
The three identified centres are Fernie in Gert Sibande, Mbangwane in Ehlanzeni and Marapyane in Nkangala District municipality.
Addressing guests during the departmental Nelson Mandela month programme in Marapyane, MEC Kholwane said the socio-economic status of all people in rural areas and townships can be improved and their quality of lives enhanced through access to modern technology.
“The immediate task of government is to close the gap in the use of computers and internet between the rural areas and townships in order for them to have a fair chance of confronting this era of artificial intelligence and digitalisation”, said MEC Kholwane.
He also said that government is committed to ensuring access to reliable, affordable and secure broadband infrastructure in the rural areas and townships.
The key objective of our government policy is that all public institutions in all spheres of government should benefit from broadband connectivity.