IHS South Africa, a subsidiary of IHS Towers, has partnered with non-profit Project Isizwe to roll out a public Wi-Fi initiative in KwaMashu, Durban.
Announced on Thursday during a launch event at the KwaMashu G Community Hall, the project delivers unlimited, free internet access to local students, job seekers, entrepreneurs, and residents.
The move is aimed at tackling South Africa’s widening digital divide, where over 15 million people still lack connectivity.
Public Wi-Fi for community development and digital inclusion
The KwaMashu Wi-Fi project addresses key social and economic challenges, including youth unemployment, currently at 60 percent, and limited access to affordable digital tools for small businesses.
With connectivity seen as a driver for education and opportunity, the initiative offers an essential digital lifeline for underserved communities.
“Connectivity is more than a luxury; it is a lifeline,” said IHS South Africa CEO Sandile Msimango. “This initiative is about empowering a community with the tools for education, economic participation, and broader digital inclusion.”
Project Isizwe, founded in 2013, has connected millions of South Africans to Wi-Fi and continues to bridge the digital gap through public-private partnerships like this one.
Its collaboration with IHS adds a new layer of impact, targeting township areas that have historically lacked internet access.
Youth digital skills training empowers next-gen tech ambassadors
Ahead of the Wi-Fi launch, IHS South Africa and its partner, Social Coding, ran a five-day digital skills training for 10 unemployed young people from KwaMashu.
The trainees were introduced to key areas like mobile app development, virtual reality, customer service, and technical troubleshooting.
At the launch, their new skills were showcased through 10 interactive exhibition stands, allowing community members to experience the technologies firsthand.
The effort not only provided training but also helped position the youth as future tech ambassadors.
“Beyond connectivity, we must equip young people with digital skills so they can drive transformation in their own communities,” added Msimango.
Following the launch, digital outreach will continue in KwaMashu’s primary schools, where children will explore robotics through a special showcase designed to inspire early interest in technology.
South Africa’s public Wi-Fi initiatives drive broader digital transformation
This KwaMashu launch forms part of a broader movement to make internet access a public good in South Africa.
With IHS Towers operating over 39,000 towers across eight emerging markets, and Project Isizwe’s deep experience in community connectivity, the initiative signals a scalable model for township digital development.
The project’s success also highlights the potential of public-private collaboration in tackling national issues like education, unemployment, and economic disparity through tech-driven solutions.
As the need for inclusive digital access grows, programs like this not only bring people online but also empower them to participate fully in South Africa’s digital economy.
