Durban ICC, 26 June 2025 - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli today announced a landmark partnership between the provincial government and MTN South Africa that will see free 5G internet connectivity rolled out across hundreds of rural public facilities in the province. The announcement was made during a media briefing held in Durban, as part of the first anniversary commemorations of the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).
The Premier described the partnership as a key milestone in the province’s drive to unlock inclusive economic growth and accelerate digital transformation, especially for the youth of KwaZulu-Natal.
“With one of the youngest populations in the world, our province cannot afford to leave young people behind. Internet access is not a luxury—it is a lifeline to dignity, opportunity, and meaningful participation in the economy,” said Premier Ntuli.
Free 5G Internet at Clinics, Libraries, and Tribal Courts
As part of the agreement, over 2,000 public sites will be connected to 4G and 5G infrastructure over the next five years, with more than 80 sites connected by the end of 2025. These include clinics, libraries, and traditional council offices in underserved communities.
Each site will benefit from up to 500GB of free high-speed internet per month, creating a foundation for smarter public service delivery and digital innovation.
Clinics in areas such as Bulwer, Durban, Underberg, and Greytown will now be equipped for telemedicine and real-time diagnostics.
Libraries in communities like Colenso, Edumbe, Hilton, and Mpophomeni will become digital learning hubs offering e-textbooks, online workshops, and coding classes.
Traditional councils will now be able to issue permits, host virtual hearings, and fast-track community service requests using publicly available broadband.
Empowering Youth Through Digital Jobs
The Premier also welcomed 80 youth from across KwaZulu-Natal into the MTN Digital Skills for Digital Jobs (DS4DJ) Programme. This forms part of a national initiative preparing 400 young people for employment in South Africa’s digital economy.
The programme is run in collaboration with the Moses Kotane Research Institute, Durban University of Technology’s InnoBiz Centre, the EBL Institute of Business and Technology, and other strategic partners including Microsoft, Google, and Cisco.
“These partnerships signal our commitment to building a province where connectivity fuels classrooms, clinics and startups alike,” the Premier added.
Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide
The initiative will ensure that no region is left behind. From traditional courts near Eshowe and KwaDukuza to remote clinics in Ingwavuma and Pomeroy, this rollout is designed to create equity in digital access across the province.
The Premier emphasised that these efforts directly align with the KZN Digital Transformation Strategy, the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy, and the broader SA Connect programme.
A Call to Action
The Premier concluded with a powerful call to action for the private sector and society at large:
“Our young people do not need handouts—they need tools. They need access, skills, and a system that does not set them up for failure. Today, we take a decisive step in creating that system.”
KwaZulu-Natal is on the move. Through bold partnerships and future-focused strategies, the province is laying the foundation for a digitally empowered, economically active, and socially inclusive future for all.