04 March 2024

The South African government plans to connect more than 21,878 public institutions in the country to the internet over the next three years in partnership with mobile operators, according to Mondli Gungubele, minister of communications and digital technologies.

The institutions covered by the new project are public basic education establishments, health centres and clinics, public libraries, and offices/residences of traditional leaders.

This initiative is part of the actions undertaken by the South African government to accelerate broadband coverage of the country as part of its digital transformation ambitions.

“A digitally disconnected South Africa automatically deprives itself of its participation in the global community of tomorrow. The social and economic impact will be catastrophic,” said Gungubele.

Furthermore, the duration of the project coincides with that of the implementation of the second phase of SA Connect, the national broadband policy. Launched in November 2023, it aims to provide 80% of public administrations, communities, and homes with access to broadband in three years.