As access to broadband remains out of the reach of SA’s poor, many of whom are located in rural areas, companies are stepping into the breach, proving there are alternative ways of making a buck out of connectivity. Internet access has traditionally been the purview of those with much, while those who are poor have continued to be marginalised, resulting in the so-called digital divide growing.

Project Isizwe COO Zahir Khan notes that SA is ranked around 137th out of 150 countries in terms of affordable services. “We are over-priced to unlock connectivity as a catalyst for change in economic development, education, health and social cohesion.”