Residents take advantage of Tshwane’s free WiFi during lockdown

Last year, Former Mayor, Stevens Mokgalapa promised that the City would improve free WiFi hotspots to combat connectivity challenges, and improve people’s access to information in over 1000 hotspots in Tshwane. The WiFi service was made available for people who live in disadvantaged areas so that they can access information and be educated on various aspects by accessing the internet at no cost.

Since the lockdown started, the City of Tshwane’s free WiFi has been in high demand with residents finding the cost of data too expensive. Many people in Tshwane have been visiting public areas and facilities to enjoy their 1GB free daily streaming data while simultaneously keeping a safe distance.

City spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said, “It goes without saying that Tshwane WiFi is a much-needed service especially under the prevailing circumstances of being engulfed by the Covid-19 pandemic”. He acknowledged that the free WiFi has also been bringing joy, entertainment and information to residents of informal settlements in townships like Atteridgeville.

Commuters from Mshongoville Informal Settlement residents have become accustomed to spending their days surfing the internet for entertainment, information and educational content. They said there is not much to do during the day and staying in a shack the whole day is not ideal as it gets very hot.

Mike Mohlala, who is a resident in Mshongoville said: “Having access to 1GB of free data daily is just something that shows the City is concerned about us as the less fortunate members of society. This is the lifestyle in the townships now. You wake up and then clean, eat and head outside to stream. We watch TV shows, the news and even search for employment opportunities.”

Thato Moriba said he loves playing sports bets and before lockdown that’s how he managed to play bets without stressing about long queues at the malls. He said: “These days I use the internet to access apps like Facebook and Instagram which contain a lot of information and funny content. Some of our community members stream TV shows that are loved by people.”