Inanda, 25 August 2026 – KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has commended the British High Commission for investing in the province to empower Local Community Network Operators to provide affordable connectivity to rural and township areas.
MEC Buthelezi was representing the Provincial Government during the launch of the Sustainable Connectivity and Community-Led Digital Economies in South Africa Project by Her Excellency Lisa Weedon, Acting British High Commissioner to South Africa, in Inanda Township on Tuesday.
KwaZulu-Natal Province is among the beneficiaries of the R5 million investment by the British High Commission to assist Local Community Network Operators in rolling out digital communication infrastructure to provide affordable internet in rural and township areas.
The project has benefited communities in parts of Ndwedwe and Inanda.
Addressing delegates during the launch, MEC Buthelezi welcomed the initiative as a strategic partnership aimed at providing sustainable connectivity to rural areas. With the economy revolving around technology, MEC Buthelezi said the initiative will unlock opportunities and drive investments in disadvantaged communities.
“KZN is largely rural, where many communities still have no access to the internet. This disadvantages our youth, particularly in terms of their education, and deprives them of economic opportunities. We appreciate the investment by the British High Commission to help local providers roll out the necessary infrastructure. As government, we pledge our full support for the programme, and we want to see it extended throughout the province to rural and township areas where it is needed most,” said MEC Buthelezi.
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