LinkageSA steps up efforts to narrow Limpopo’s digital gap
Leaders at a Polokwane conference called for accelerated efforts to bridge Limpopo’s digital divide, saying improved digital access and literacy are essential for creating opportunities and strengthening rural communities and local economies.
The Kagiso Trust’s Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu said that despite the remarkable advances in digital innovation in South Africa, too many people remain excluded from opportunities in the digital economy.
Nevhutalu delivered the keynote address at this year’s conference, bringing together traditional authorities, government, academia, development institutions, and industry to tackle the digital divide in Limpopo’s rural communities.
The conference took place in Polokwane on Thursday.
Nevhutalu said the digital divide is no longer simply about internet access but about access to knowledge, markets, services and opportunity.
“The question before us, therefore, is not whether technology can transform our communities; the question is whether we are prepared to ensure that every community is equipped to use technology to transform itself.”
He believes that the future is one in which technology is increasingly human-centred.
“For many years, the national conversation has centred around the 4th industrial revolution, which focuses on expanding access, improving digital literacy and preparing young people for a technology-driven future, the world is already speaking about industrial 5.0, the future where technology is increasingly human-centred.
This shift presents South Africa with an important opportunity to change its mission that communities not only have access to technology but that they use technology to solve local challenges, unlock economic opportunities and build resilient local economies,” he added.
Plan to bridge digital gap in Limpopo
The Group Chief Executive Officer of LinkageSA Group, Charley Nkadimeng, said their goal is to bridge the digital divide in rural communities in Limpopo, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital economy.
He said their mandate is to act as a one-stop centre for coordinating and implementing digital technology solutions, with a 10-year plan in place.
“We are already four years into the programme, and I think we are doing well. There is beginning to be traction from companies who themselves have approached us to say we raise a hand if there is a way in which we can help, please let’s talk. So coming out of this conference, we will be engaging a number of companies and state institutions to see how we can move with speed,” Nkadimeng said.
Traditional authorities welcome the initiative
Some traditional authorities attending the conference have welcomed the initiative, saying it will help develop their areas and enable children to compete globally.
Chairperson of the Sekhukhune House of Traditional Leaders, Chief Mathabeng Maila, said their communities will no longer be left in the dark when it comes to digital literacy, adding that future generations will be able to compete globally.
Chief Nkoane Malekane from Fetakgomo Tubatse said the initiative will help bring rural communities closer to the level of urban areas.
