The Gauteng Government is working hard to improve the township economy. An update from Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, demonstrated that the province has been making much progress with its network site-building work, with most sites ready for the on-switch to be flipped. This aligns with the statements made by the Premier at his annual State of the Province Address (SOPA) earlier this year, where he said that his government was of the strong view that the townships are the country’s “new gold.”
“We must ensure these investments benefit our people,” he continued.
The government approved the Township Economic Development Act (TEDA), which inspired the plan to use 60% of the R34-billion goods and services budget to support township initiatives from the 1st of April. TEDA provides a regulatory framework that makes it possible for people living in townships to create sustainable and thriving businesses, small enterprises, and co-operatives with less paperwork and administration, making it easier for them to survive and grow.
Free Internet in Gauteng: Massive Switch on Date Expected Soon
Armed with the motto “Less Talk, More Work,” Lesufi confirmed that up to the 28th of August, 35 installations in townships, informal settlements, and hostels have been completed across 22 sites: 20 of which are public Wi-Fi networks. They will provide free internet in Gauteng’s underserved areas. These sites cover 6 districts: Sedibeng, Mogale City, Ekurhuleni, Marshalltown, West Rand, and the City of Johannesburg.
Cashier Vacancy at the City of Johannesburg.
Lesufi had promised in February:
“With our Gauteng Broadband Network, we will provide reliable internet in the townships and make free Wi-Fi available in strategic areas in our communities. We are bringing free Wi-Fi in our communities.”
He seems to be sticking to his word where digital connectivity and free internet in Gauteng are concerned.
There are 11 more sites to be delivered with a due date of 1 September 2023. All but one of these sites are public Wi-Fi networks serving libraries for accessible and free internet in Gauteng’s learning hubs. They will add up to 21 installations.
Free internet should help to ease the incredible burden of unemployment (about 37%) in the province.
