Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, says that internet connectivity and penetration has improved greatly.
According to the Minister, internet connectivity and penetration has improved from a mere 21.1% in 2011 to a staggering 79% in 2022, elevating citizens in a rapidly changing world that is driven by digital technologies.
The improvement is due to work being done through the SA Connect broadband connectivity project, which is dedicated to bridging the digital divide by providing Wi-Fi access to communities and ensuring universal access to the internet.
Phase 2 of the SA Connect project was launched by government last year with the aim to provide core and access network infrastructure to enable broadband connectivity to community Wi-Fi hotspots that will connect households.
Addressing a joint debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Tuesday, the Minister said government will continue to connect rural and township areas with a target of 5.5 million households
enabled by WIFI hotspots in the next three to four years.
In addition, government will connect 1.5 million households enabled by WIFI hotspots by December 2024 and 747 000 households enabled by 4 250 WIFI hotspots by the end of this financial year.
‘We can report that to date, a coverage of 361 000 households which has been enabled by 2 502 WIFI hotspots has been achieved. The work has been done and will continue being done. It will involve 76 internet service providers, which are small medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). This will result in 4 500 direct jobs and many more indirect jobs and opportunities downstream,’ Gungubele said.
Spectrum
With government having freed spectrum of above 700MHz for use by mobile operators, that spectrum will connect public institutions and deploy 4G and 5G technology throughout the country.
The availability of spectrum paves the way for affordable, high-speed internet access for all.
‘Working with the private sector thus far, all eight metros have been connected to fi
bre, and we are expanding to more towns. We have as part of our implementation of the recommendations of the Presidential Commission on Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), embarked on several digital infrastructure projects to ensure transformation through access in a changing world,’ the Minister said.
He said Cabinet approved the Next Generation Spectrum Policy for economic development on 25 November 2023.
The policy intends to support the spectrum allocation and licensing for fixed mobile; broadcasting; aeronautical and marine; research and development; community access, and other relevant industries.
The policy also seeks to promote equity and fair allocation to contribute towards the transformation of the sector and accessibility of digital connectivity even in outlying parts of the country.
The purpose of the policy is to address gaps and limitations that were identified in the 2016 National Information and Communications Technology White Paper and prepares for the amendment of relevant sections of
the Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act 36 of 2005), which include:
unclear roles and responsibilities between Minister and the authority (ICASA) which contributed to inefficiencies
gaps in the spectrum management regime
an exclusive spectrum regime that benefit a few and bigger players; and
inefficiencies towards extending broadband access to rural, remote, and underserved areas.
‘Working with our mobile operators, we will connect over 21 878 public basic education institutions, health centres and clinics, public libraries, and offices/ residences of traditional leaders to the internet, over the next three years.
‘4G connection is expanding to township and rural areas under the democracy ka[meaning of] Tata Rolihlahla Mandela. Information and communications technology (ICT) is a great equaliser. Everyone in South Africa must and will access modern digital technologies.
‘A digitally disconnected South Africa automatically removes itself from participating in the global community of the future. The
social and economic impact of which will be catastrophic,’ the Minister said.
Source: South African Government News Agency
Addis Ababa: Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Claver Gatete said ECA remains committed to working together with the Africa Union to realize an education system fit for the 21st century.
Speaking at the 44th opening of the Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of AU today, ECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete emphasized the need to build resilient education systems in Africa.
He highlighted the importance of education as a fundamental human right and a key driver of socio-economic development.
Under the theme “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa,” Gatete stressed the urgency of transforming education to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Gatete acknowledged that despite progress, significant barriers to education in Africa remain. Issues such as limited access, unequal opportunities, and inadequate quality pose cha
llenges to achieving inclusive and lifelong learning.
He noted that by 2030, nearly half of the global youth population will be African, highlighting the need to equip them with the necessary skills to participate fully in the evolving workforce.
The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing crises have accelerated the adoption of technology and reshaped the global landscape. Gatete emphasized the importance of aligning education systems with these changes, particularly in areas such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
He highlighted the potential of these fields to drive economic growth, competitiveness, and innovation.
To achieve a workforce for the future, Gatete called for increased investments in education, focusing on areas that enhance productive capabilities and global competitiveness.
He emphasized the need for a digital transformation of education systems, citing Africa’s low share of global innovation and limited expenditure
on research and development.
Gatete underscored the role of education in sustainable industrialization, economic diversification, and job creation.
ECA Chief emphasized that innovation would be the foundation for achieving these goals. calling for strategic investments in infrastructure, resources, and curriculum development to leverage Africa’s natural and human capital, particularly in sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, and global health.
Gatete also stressed the urgency of addressing the digital gender divide and making education a top priority.
“Education is a basic human right and a key enabler for achieving our collective socio-economic development objectives. When we fail to provide accessible and inclusive education, we deny people this right. This Summit marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to transform our education system to one that is ‘fit for purpose’ in today’s world.”
He expressed the commitment of the United Nations and the ECA to collaborate with the African Union in reali
zing a 21st-century education system that prepares African youth for the future
Source: Ethiopian News Agency