Department of Communications partners with Avanti, MESO and Land Bank to deliver high-speed broadband connectivity to ten South African schools

Deputy Minister of Communications, Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams today conducted an official handover at Botoka Senior Secondary School in Potchefstroom which saw the existing school lab being transformed into a cyberlab. This and other partnerships with both state-owned and private companies, support e-learning initiatives by providing thousands of local school children with access to reliable fast internet connectivity in classrooms. Connecting schools to the internet is one of the pillars of South Africa Connect, the country’s broadband policy, high-level plan and strategy.

We can only deliver South Africa Connect successfully when we partner with stakeholders in business, society and schools. Widespread broadband connectivity will propel the economic growth of South Africa and enhance the quality of teaching and learning in our schools. Strategic partnerships like this are vital to building our information and knowledge economy and ultimately, to support the development of future generations via e-learning,”

Ms. Ndabeni-Abrahams.

She said connecting schools to the internet is one of the ways to bridge the digital divide and encourage the development of an inclusive knowledge and information society, wherein rural communities are also active participants.

Broadband connectivity is a leading driver of socio-economic growth in Africa. Avanti is delighted to have partnered with the Department of Communications to provide satellite broadband to the ten schools in South Africa, supporting their national strategy. With 100% coverage of a number of African countries, our quality Ka-band satellite technology delivers immediate broadband access across the continent.”

David Williams, Chief Executive at Avanti Communications

The business of doing business today is not only about making a profit, but it is also about pursuing business objectives in a responsible and sustainable way that takes into account the environment and the communities in which the business operates. Thus we at Meso strive to continuously and positively plough back into the communities in which we do business.”

Thibedi Mogoba, Chairman of Meso Group

The Bank`s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme aims to make a meaningful impact towards changing the lives of South Africans. As a responsible corporate citizen, the Land Bank is honoured to be able to make a difference in the lives of historically disadvantaged learners. The use of technology is an integral part of the quest to lift the standards of education. The education system is also gradually moving towards increased use of modern technology including computers. The Bank`s donation of computers to the two schools in Northern Cape will open a whole new world to the learners and become an important value add to the journey towards more integrated learning.”

Lindiwe Mdlalose Acting CEO of Land Bank

Global satellite operator Avanti Communications and Meso Group have completed satellite broadband connectivity at ten schools in South Africa. Botoka Comprehensive School (NW), Boitshoko High School (NW), Bashee Comprehensive High School (EC), Nathaniel Palma High School (EC), Nqabane Senior Secondary School (EC), Phambili Mzontsundu Secondary School (EC), Fumana Combined School (KZN) already had computers and therefore only received internet connectivity. Boresetse Secondary School and Dikgatlong Secondary School in Northern Cape received 20 computers each from Land Bank and internet connectivity from Avanti/Meso Group.