By Lebone Rodah Mosima
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi said government remains committed to building an inclusive digital economy where every South African, regardless of geography, income or background, has the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the country’s digital future.
Speaking at the official launch of the Eksteenskuil Computer Centre on Thursday, Malatsi said the facility represented far more than the opening of a building filled with computers, but marked the beginning of new possibilities for the community.
“It is an investment in people, in knowledge, and in the belief that where you live should never determine the opportunities available to you,” Malatsi said.
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“That commitment becomes real through initiatives such as the one we celebrate today…”
He said many rural communities had for too long found themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide.
While technology had transformed how the world learns, works, communicates and does business, Malatsi said too many South Africans remained excluded because they lacked access to the necessary tools, connectivity or digital skills.
“Today, Eksteenskuil is taking an important step towards changing that reality.
“The establishment of this Computer Centre demonstrates what becomes possible when communities, development partners and government work together with a shared vision.”
Malatsi commended the Eksteenskuil Agricultural Cooperative for its leadership and thanked the Kgodiso Development Fund for investing in the future of the community.
He said the partnership demonstrated that sustainable development was achieved not by one institution working alone, but through collaboration and shared purpose.
“Ladies and gentlemen, digital skills have become essential life skills in the digital economy.
“Whether a young person wants to continue their education, apply for employment, start a business, access government services or pursue a career in agriculture – technology has become part of everyday life.”
He said the computer centre would create opportunities for children needing access to educational resources and young people seeking to develop digital skills.
It would also provide opportunities for unemployed adults and farmers who could benefit from digital tools, online information and access to markets.
For the farming community, Malatsi said technology was increasingly becoming an important tool for improving productivity and building resilient agricultural businesses.
Digital platforms, he said, provided access to weather information, market prices, financial services, training resources and new farming techniques.
“They enable farmers to connect with buyers, suppliers and government support programmes more efficiently than ever before.
“By strengthening digital literacy within this community, we are also strengthening the future sustainability and competitiveness of our agricultural sector.”
He said government remained committed to ensuring rural communities were not left behind in South Africa’s digital transformation.
He said the vision was for every community to have the opportunity to connect, innovate and participate in the digital economy.
“While infrastructure remains important, meaningful digital inclusion requires more than connectivity alone.
“People must also have the confidence and the skills to use technology productively.
“Facilities such as this computer centre play an important role in achieving that goal.”
He said the success of the centre would not be measured by the number of computers inside the building, but by the opportunities it created.
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“Its success will be measured by the number of children who discover new opportunities through technology.
“It will be measured by the number of young people who acquire skills that lead to employment.
“It will be measured by the farmers who use digital tools to grow their businesses.
“And it will be measured by the confidence this community gains in participating fully in South Africa’s growing digital economy.”
Addressing young people in Eksteenskuil, Malatsi encouraged them not to be intimidated by technology.
“Do not be intimidated by technology. Instead, be curious; ask questions; learn continuously and make mistakes – because every innovation begins with someone willing to try something new.
“The next software developer, digital entrepreneur, engineer or agricultural innovator could very well come from this community.”
He also urged residents to protect and value the centre so that it could continue serving future generations.
“Finally, I encourage everyone to protect and value this computer centre. This facility belongs to the entire community.
“Look after it. Use it. Fill it with learning, innovation and opportunity for generations to come.”
Malatsi said the launch demonstrated that digital transformation needed to reach every community, including those furthest from major cities.
“Because South Africa’s digital future will only succeed when no community is left behind.”
