Siphelele Nketo
THE investment of more than R5 million into community centres around Alfred Nzo district has connected local communities to the world through the internet.
According to Luncedo Walaza, the Alfred Nzo District Municipality spokesperson, Alfred Nzo District Municipality has established 10 fully functional centres across the district to empower young people while also assisting communities with academic advancement and socioeconomic development.
“These facilities have been providing completely free digital services, unlimited high-speed internet access, and computer usage to thousands of rural residents, primarily targeting students, job seekers and young entrepreneurs,” he said, adding that by localising access to cutting-edge technological infrastructure, the municipality is actively ensuring that geographical limitations do not translate into educational or economic disenfranchisement for the district’s youth.
Walaza said that the municipality intends to expand the construction of an additional ICT Community Centre in Xolobeni under Mbizana. He said this centre will widen the municipal digital safety net, bringing essential modern infrastructure to more households and cementing the district’s role as a leader in rural digital enablement. He added that these hubs spare young people from the financial burden of travelling long distances to urban centres by providing seamless, zero-cost access to online university and tertiary institution applications.
