17 May 2000
Today we're proud to mark an important day in our calendar -World Telecommunications Day. In line with our challenge of bridging the communications gap in the country, I am happy to announce that the Department of Communications has embarked on a project to establish Internet centres in informal settlements throughout the country. These will be called "Dot ZA" centres. What we seeks to do is to make information and communications technology - particularly the Internet - accessible to everyone in this country. This is in line with the policy process undertaken by the Department of Communications, of establishing the E-Commerce policy: a process that will affect the way all the people do business.
The proposed "Dot ZA Centre" in the Gauteng township of Thembisa, will be the first in the country. The Department will donate a container, computers and Internet connection to the community. The community will take ownership of the facility.
This facility will be used to:
1. Make the Internet and computers accessible to the community, creating awareness on the usage and benefits of the internet2. Conduct computer literacy programmes.
3. The project will be launched by myself and the Mayor of Thembisa on the 30 May 2000.
The project will be run on sound business principles. The project team composed of representatives from the stakeholders shall determine the overall costs of the project. The Department of Communications will finance the aspects of the project.
Telecommunications is the fastest growing sector of our economy, contributing considerably to the country's GDP and economic growth.
Globally, South Africa today ranks 23rd in telecommunications development and 17th in Internet.
In marking World Telecommunications Day, I am now going to make a call to 11-year-old Lester Fredericks of Port Elizabeth who is a patient at the Red Cross Hospital in Cape Town.
For further information Contact:
Brian Sokutu (Ministerial Spokesperson) 083-327-3229
Issued by Government Communications (GCIS) on behalf of the Ministry of Communication