Umzinyathi rolls out low-cost wi-fi to bridge ‘digital divide’
Umzinyathi District begins rolling out low-cost Wi-Fi to help residents and students access reliable connectivity across all four municipalities.
The Umzinyathi District Municipality has begun installing low-cost Wi-Fi in communities across the region, aiming to improve internet access for residents and support students who struggle to afford data. The programme follows a sponsorship from Connect SA, enabling the rollout to start in Sibongile, Dundee, before expanding to all four local municipalities.
Affordable data to support learning
Under the new system, residents can purchase an R5 voucher that provides 2.5GB of data. According to District Mayor Cllr Thembisile Mchunu, the initiative is designed to narrow the digital divide and make online learning more accessible.
“Some students have battled to complete schoolwork because they simply cannot afford data,” said Cllr Mchunu. “Once the Wi-Fi is installed throughout the district, it will be easier for people to connect, and learners will finally be able to study without barriers.”
Hope for long-term free access
Cllr Mchunu added that the district will continue to seek support to expand and sustain the programme.
“We are grateful for the assistance we received to launch this project,” she said. “Our long-term vision is to reach a point where residents no longer have to buy these R5 vouchers, but can access Wi-Fi free of charge.”
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