Deputy minister of communications, Roy Padayachie, has launched a telecentre at the Qalabotjha multi-purpose community centre (MPCC) in the Free State.
The telecentre, launched on Friday, is a joint project by the Mafube local municipality and the Universal Service Agency (USA), to give easy access to government services and computer training for the Qalabotjha community.
Various dignitaries, including the deputy minister for correctional services, Cheryl Gillwald, and USA CEO Sam Gulube, attended the launch.
The telecentre has 21 computers donated by Telkom, a photocopier, colour printer, blinds and air-conditioner donated by USA, as well as six chairs, a table and a service counter.
The very small aperture terminal satellite system (VSAT) Internet-enabled telecentre uses low voltage equipment to reduce power consumption.
The USA has also equipped certain local people, including the centre manager, with advanced ICT skills. They will, in turn, train other local people.
The MPCC serves a population of about 40 000 residents, and three schools around the Qalabotjha area are set to benefit from the services provided by the telecentre.
"Through the roll-out of MPCCs, millions of people can now assimilate ICT for empowerment through knowledge, information and entering into business transactions," said Padayachie.
"Teachers are a critical part of the MPCC process, thus they have to ensure that not only do they further develop their computer skills but most importantly impart those skills to their learners," said Gillwald.
Gulube said the telecentre gives the community an opportunity to know more about what the Internet is and shows them that they should not be afraid to make use of computers.
"Qalabotjha not only has a VSAT-enabled centre, but a centre that connects a small community to the rest of the world, with fast-speed Internet access and also provides the opportunity for the community to create their own Web sites," said Gulube.
Padayachie later told ITWeb the community should take ownership of the MPCC and learn to protect it.
"The people should be committed to serve the needs of the community, work as a team towards the sustainability of the centre, and ensure the poor, disabled and youth have access to government services at all times," said Padayachie.
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