South African deputy minister for telecoms says African citizens need internet connectivity

The South African Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services has stressed the growing significance of the internet in the development of the continent’s business and education sectors, but also stated that connectivity is becoming an imperative for society on an individual level.

Speaking ahead of the South African government’s keynote address at AfricaCom 2015 next week, Deputy Minister Hon. Prof. Hlengiwe Mkhize has said that internet access is now becoming an essential tool and requirement for African citizens.

“Internet is a basic necessity for more than just business, education and service deliver, but also for survival and individual self-respect,” she said.

Professor Mkhize’s keynote address at AfricaCom will be investigating the role of information communication technology (ICT) in enabling inclusive socio-economic development, and how access is evolving across broadband in homes, offices and on mobile platforms.

“Connectivity has demonstrated its ability to ignite socio-economic development time and again,” she said. “We need to expand existing infrastructure and introduce new technologies to connect our citizens, especially those in rural areas. Like the cutting-edge technology deployed by Avanti Communications to deliver high speed broadband across 100% of South Africa today. Connected regions will produce the increased economic growth that a thriving information society drives.”

The Deputy Minister will be speaking on Wednesday 18th November, with Telecoms.com providing the coverage of her session as well as breaking news and key themes coming out of this year’s AfricaCom show in Cape Town, South Africa.