The minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has announced that government is planning to accelerate the provision of internet access, with the aim of reaching 80% of the South African population by 2024.
She spoke at the Free State Fourth Industrial Revolution Summit held on the Bloemfontein campus of the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, on Thursday (21/07) and Friday.
The theme of the summit was “Accelerating Economic Growth and Development of the Free State Through Innovative 4IR Technologies”.
Ntshavheni highlighted that it was vital to ensure that rural communities had access to digital connections to meet the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
“As long as there is no network in the rural areas, there will not be deployment of these fourth industrial technologies.
“So, we must focus on the basics. Firstly, making sure that everyone has access, and secondly, ensuring continuity.
“We have set ourselves a challenge to ensure 80% of South Africans have access to the internet by 2024, but we in the department are chasing 100% access to the internet by all South Africans by 2024.”
Ntshavheni emphasised that South Africans were entitled to government services.
“We must make sure that those who are poor are prioritised, and we are going to use technology to advance that.”
Sisi Ntombela, Free State premier, echoed sentiments on the significance of fourth industrial technologies.
“Fourth industrial technologies must be useful and impactful in the lives of our people. These technologies must assist us to enhance service delivery, development and opportunities for our people.”
