National strategy for community networks in South Africa

While South Africa hosts advanced telecommunications infrastructure and 4G  coverage reaching 98.8% of the population, deep inequalities persist. Only 1.6%  of rural households have internet access at home compared to 13% of urban households. For communities living at or below the poverty line, a 20-gigabyte data bundle consuming 38.4% of monthly income represents an insurmountable barrier to meaningful digital participation. 

Community networks offer a proven alternative. 

Operating across South Africa, from a rural cooperative in Eastern Cape to urban services in Khayelitsha, community-centred connectivity initiatives demonstrate how local accountability and collaboration can deliver affordable connectivity while building local technical capacity and supporting broader community development. 

The November 2024 National Convening of Community Networks successfully brought together community network practitioners, government agencies, other network operators, development organisations and funding entities to chart a coordinated path forward. Participants committed to specific actions across policy reform, sustainable funding, capacity building and social inclusion initiatives. The adoption and implementation of this national strategy present a timely  opportunity to unlock the potential of community-centred connectivity solutions in South Africa. 

By addressing digital exclusion challenges through a holistic and sustainable approach, this strategy aims to diversify the economic opportunities for South Africans living in unserved and underserved areas. The national strategy aims to pave the way for a digitally inclusive South Africa.

Read the full document here.