Project Overview

Summary

The CSIR's division of Information Communications Technology, icomtek, was involved in establishing connectivity to support local economic development within the region of Manguzi in the KwaNgwanase district of far northern KwaZulu-Natal.

The initial connectivity at the Manguzi Community Centre, provided by CSIR icomtek was thereafter extended to include two local schools, Maputa HP and Shayina HS, which received their Internet connection by means of a radio link from the Community Centre.

The two schools, have become the unexpected beneficiaries of an

information and communications solution that has technicians at a South African Internet service provider surprised and network specialists excited about the future of wireless information access in South Africa.

The project, called "Manguzi Wireless Internet" has provided Internet access, e-mail and learning resources to schools in a very remote area of South Africa's KwaZulu Natal province utilising a combination of radio and satellite broadcasting technologies.