To genuinely transform rural communities that are isolated by distance, access to internet services is vital – especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, while many relief programmes require electronic submissions.
This is one of the main motivations behind Konkoonsies Solar Power’s decision to provide funding for an internet café that aims to provide affordable access to internet and printing services to the remote communities of Pofadder, Onseepkans and Pella.
“By having an equipped IT container for all their printing and internet needs, community members are able to do their UIF submission and other Covid-19 relief fund applications,” explained Wallace Scheepers, owner of Walyb’s Computer Solutions.
“This is a great relief, as people don’t have to leave town and incur the cost of travel.”
Scheepers, a Pofadder community member and owner of a small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME), who has been struggling to run a business from the backyard of his home, is the beneficiary of a container business.
He will now be able to expand and employ two people from the community.
“Our aim is to help grow this young enterprise into a sustainable business, whilst helping the communities of this area to have proper internet access. Currently community members need to travel long distances, which is costly and draining,” explained Tsholofelo Moote, economic development practitioner for Konkoonsies Solar Power.
Scheepers views his technology services as essential, as it helps people to file job applications, do business communication, even take part in online learning with ease, especially as it is a rare privilege in the small rural town of Pofadder to own a computer with internet access at home.
“My plan is to help people understand that in today’s world we can’t live without IT. I am here to serve the community in a technical way, because in today’s life it is essential, not a luxury.”
The solar plant’s support of this local enterprise includes the establishment of the site that will house the container business, fencing for security and the supply of a business container, in addition to the necessary printing equipment, computers and shelving, amongst other essentials.
Just as important as the hardware, working capital to cover the salary of three employees and other running costs will be covered for a defined period.
