SA`s first Internet Fiesta attracted more than 2 000 first-time computer users and fostered a sense of community in one of Cape Town`s poorest suburbs, organisers say.
The event, designed to bring a sense of fun to people wanting to use the Internet, took place on Saturday and Sunday in Belhar, a traditionally poor coloured area with a high unemployment rate.
Organised by the SA Chapter of the Internet Society (ISOC-ZA), the Internet Fiesta is modelled on similar events held in other African countries aimed at encouraging the use of technology by people who would not normally have access.
Jennifer Husler, who managed the project for ISOC-ZA, says she was overwhelmed by the response from the local community, many of whom had never used a computer.
"Once they came in, sat down and learned how to use a mouse, they were bitten by the computer bug and wanted to know more," she says.
Husler says the first day was particularly busy and new users were limited for a while to 30-minute sessions so that as many as possible could experience it. "Initially, priority was given to adults, but as the event progressed young and old participated equally."
She says there were numerous instances of people using the Internet to search for their favourite topics.
"One man arrived in the early hours of Sunday morning. He was a gardener and was barely literate. He wanted to search for all information on Ferrari sports cars and the Grand Prix," Husler says.
There was another case of two teenagers who had dropped out of school after completing grade six (10 years old). After experiencing the Internet for a couple of hours, they decided they wanted to complete their education.
While the Linux PCs were housed in the Belhar community hall, a marquee outside staged live entertainment including a DJ session and local boy band Destination on Saturday, while a more subdued jazz session was held on Sunday.
The Internet Fiesta was sponsored by the Provincial Government of Western Cape, which paid for the logistics; the Shuttleworth Foundation, which supplied the Linux PCs; and Internet service provider Uninet, which installed a wireless connection.
Husler says the provincial government wants to encourage more Internet Fiestas throughout the Western Cape, although no firm plans have been put in place yet.
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