Exciting developments coming to KwaZulu-Natal as Premier announces the rollout of community Wi-Fi Hotspots.
Major developments are on the horizon for KwaZulu-Natal, as Newcastle and other parts of Northern KwaZulu-Natal are set to benefit from the rollout of community Wi-Fi hotspots.
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On Tuesday, 18 April 2023, KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube presented her Budget Vote 1: Office of the Premier for the 2023/2024 financial year, highlighting the province’s focus on development.
“In collaboration with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) and its State-Owned Enterprises, in 2023/24 and 2024/25 the province will roll out 7253 community Wi-Fi hotspots, and more than one million households will have access to broadband connectivity across the KwaZulu-Natal,” said Dube-Ncube during her presentation.
The rollout of the Wi-Fi hotspots is being supported by a total commitment of R 336 million from both the National and Provincial government.
Dube-Ncube also highlighted the positive impact on job creation, stating that over 350 jobs will be created, with 40% of the work being allocated to local Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
“In addition, OTP and the Development Bank of Southern Africa are finalising the establishment of a joint Project Management Unit that will fast track preparations and investment in the KZN Broadband rollout,” added Dube-Ncube, emphasising the province’s commitment to expediting the implementation of the project.
The SA Connect programme for the 2023/24 financial year will see the rollout of community Wi-Fi hotspots in several districts across KwaZulu-Natal.
The Harry Gwala District will receive 132 hotspots, Mkhanyakude District will receive 465 hotspots, the Ilembe District will receive 443 hotspots, and Amajuba District is set to get 358 community hotspots. The Zululand District will also receive 602 hotspots.
In the 2024/25 financial year, further districts will be connected, including eThekwini with 2496 hotspots, King Cetshwayo with 655 hotspots, Umgungundlovu with 739 hotspots, uMzinyathi with 374 hotspots, and uThukela with 476 hotspots. The Premier also mentioned that under the Presidential Employment Stimulus, Harry Gwala will receive 206 hotspots, and Ugu District 304 will be connected.
With the rollout of community Wi-Fi hotspots, KwaZulu-Natal is poised to take a significant step towards enhanced connectivity and digital inclusion for its communities.
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