A group of young people have decided to try to do something about the digital divide in SA.
Y Day is an independent community organisation that aims to help bridge the digital divide by creating an environment where people can become computer literate and learn about the benefits of technology, explains Shoks Mzolo, one of the initiative`s creators.
The group, which has registered as a non-profit organisation, has a threefold strategy.
The first was to create a Web site, launched last week, to provide young people of SA with relevant news and information.
"There is first a need to create an enabling environment," says Mzolo. "Then the idea is to create Internet centres by having relevant sites like Y Day. These will not be typical Internet caf'es - they will have computer literacy training as well.
"The aim is to have 0.6 million people trained over 10 years in 68 centres still to be established. And we believe there is also a trickle effect. For every two people we train, it is likely that another person will also pick up skills."
He says the third platform involves the distribution of newsletters to remote areas. "In areas we can`t reach, we can start preaching. We can start talking about technology to get people exposed."
Mzolo says he believes projects such as this one can benefit the economy as a whole. "People who open bed-and-breakfasts, for example, can use the Internet to advertise and reach a bigger market. Most of them don`t know that there is demand for what they offer. But if we educate them and they get onto the Internet, they will be able to be in touch with people anywhere."
The group also wants to bring in partners such as schools, non-government organisations and community radio stations.
He says projects are limited at present as it is still at an early stage and the body is being funded from its organisers` pockets, despite approaching some large corporations for help. "Assistance hasn`t been forthcoming, but the show must go on," he adds.
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