Diversified natural resource group Glencore says it has saved communities in the areas of its operation over R100 million in data costs through its free WiFi project.
Glencore launched the project in June 2018, initially setting up 10 free WiFi hotspots in Ogies and Phola in the eMalahleni Municipality. The rollout has since been expanded to Steve Tshwete and Emakhazeni municipalities.
Today, Glencore says it has 30 hotspots where communities can enjoy free WiFi offered by its partner, Project Isizwe.
Since the inception of the WiFi project, Glencore says, it has been monitoring total data usage, as it feels duty-bound to offer free data to rural communities due to the high data costs in SA.
“We are delighted to announce that we have reached the 100 million mark, with total community savings of R102 075 369 in data costs. Some of our notable milestones include the highest number of users in a single day, with 8 134 users who used 1 317GB of data on 20 January 2021. Our host communities are consuming over 28 000GB of data for free, each month,” says Glencore.
The JSE-listed group says the WiFi project forms part of its commitment to building sustainable communities and empowering community members in Ogies, Phola, Kwa-Guqa, Kriel, Middelburg and Wonderfontein.
By providing free WiFi, Glencore says it enables students to study and have access to e-learning platforms. Equally, it says, the connectivity stimulates local economies and encourages entrepreneurship.
"We are happy to collaborate with Glencore and provide connectivity to people. Our vision is to connect the entire nation, and it is partners like Glencore who are the true heroes. They enable us to empower African communities," says Shireen Powell, chief operating officer of Isizwe.
Glencore says its focus for 2021 and beyond is to expand the WiFi offering.
“In collaboration with Project Isizwe, we are identifying new opportunities to empower our communities further.”
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