The Western Cape and Liquid Intelligent Technologies’ R2 billion initiative will expand public Wi-Fi, driving digital transformation, accessibility, and economic opportunities across the province.
Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a business of Cassava Technologies, a leading pan-African technology group, and the Western Cape Government have renewed their partnership to continue expanding on the proliferation of connectivity in the province which has in turn enabled the ‘Citizen-centric Digital Transformation’. This project will see an investment of over R 2 billion over the next 7 years as Liquid South Africa continues to increase access to high-speed connectivity to the populace by adding more free Public Wi-Fi hotspots.
We have enjoyed a fruitful and productive partnership with Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa and the State Information Technology Agency for the past 10 years. Broadband ‘1.0’ has delivered enhanced connectivity in Western Cape Government (WCG) corporate buildings, schools, hospitals and clinics, while our e-Centres and rural libraries provide access to information technology and employment opportunities for all our residents, especially disadvantaged youth. These initiatives have made a huge difference in the lives of our residents and boosted the WCG’s overall growth and jobs agenda. I look forward to continuing our partnership in Broadband ‘2.0’ over the next seven years.
– Dr. Harry Malila, Director-General, Western Cape Government
The partnership initiative between the WCPG and Liquid Technologies serves as a good example of a PPP. Through it, the province has achieved its critical milestones in bringing connectivity to communities and government buildings. This is a great milestone for our country in its digitisation effort. As SITA, we are around to be the facilitator and driver of these achievements. We will seek to replicate the Western Cape example in other provinces.
– Simphiwe Dzengwa, MD, SITA
According to the 2023 General Household Survey by StatsSA, at 88.1%, the Western Cape already has the highest internet access rate in the country. Through this partnership, Liquid South Africa and the Western Cape Government (WCG) are steadfast in their commitment to extend the advantages realised through access to high-speed connectivity, ensuring a brighter digital future for all.
Since the onset of our partnership, Liquid South Africa has established 1600 free public Wi-Fi hotspots and +2000 sites which include schools, hospitals, clinics and libraries which are used by almost 4 million citizens in the province. Access to high-speed connectivity is the necessary catalyst for driving digital transformation. We have increased data allocation and provided faster speeds, and through the deployment of SDWAN, we even improved the cyber security offering. These efforts will ensure that the province’s individuals and businesses in rural and metro areas alike can take advantage of every opportunity offered by digital transformation effectively and securely.
– Deon Geyser, CEO, Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa
The public Wi-Fi network, already available in over 26 municipalities at 1600 locations, provides 6GB of data per device per month at 10 Mbps speeds of up to 20 Mbps. Government websites will also remain permanently free for users to access, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their location or resources, can benefit from this initiative. Mobile phones are the lifeline for staying in touch and conducting business for most people and communities in rural, remote areas. However, the relatively high costs of mobile broadband can be a barrier. Public access Wi-Fi networks, like the ones Liquid is expanding, present an opportunity for citizens to connect not only to each other but also for mobile learning, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, offering a hopeful future.
Editorial Team
techafricanews.com
