Deputy President Mashatile To Launch Phase 2 Of Wi-Fi Connectivity Project

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is all set to lead the official launch of Phase 2 of the South Africa Connect project on April 19 to bridge the digital gap by offering Wi-Fi access to communities, guaranteeing universal internet accessibility.

The upcoming event is being organized by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies. It will take place at the Ephraim Mogale Stadium in Modimolle Local Municipality located in Waterberg District, Limpopo.

This initiative is aligned with the government's dedication to fulfilling the objectives of the National Development Plan 2030 over technology. Moreover, the project will help to create an inclusive information society and empower the government to offer broadband services to communities.

The Presidency explained that by facilitating broadband to the communities, the government will be better equipped to address the requirements of its citizens.

"It also galvanizes the capability, resources, and energy of public and private sectors towards realizing a bold vision to reach 80% connectivity by 2024," the statement said, SA News reported.

Phase 2 of the project will connect over 42,000 government facilities including schools, health facilities, post offices, police stations and government offices to broadband services across eight rural district municipalities.

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has so far confirmed the successful connection of over 751,232 households and approximately 4,366 community Wi-Fi hotspots across 11 district municipalities. These include Mount Ayliff in the Eastern Cape and Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal, with additional districts set to follow the same.

During the event, the Deputy President will engage with members of the local communities to witness the progress of the government in providing essential network infrastructure to facilitate broadband connectivity to community Wi-Fi hotspots and helping to connect households.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mondli Gungubele, Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council, District and Local Mayors, as well as senior government officials will also attend the event to support the Deputy President.