Bringing affordable communications to rural South Africa: Zenzeleni Networks
Zenzeleni Networks Mankosi is the result of a partnership between the Mankosi community, in one of the most disadvantaged areas of the Eastern Cape, and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) that aims to create a model for the sustainable implementation of bottomup local telcos in rural communities in South Africa to reduce the cost of communications for its dwellers. A proof of concept is running in Mankosi since 2012.
In this event the results from the multidisciplinary research team from UWC will be discussed first. Then, the steps taken to translate them and make them available to a larger audience, and the process initiated to replicate them elsewhere will be presented by partner organizations.
Date: 23rd September 2015
Venue: Library Auditorium, University of the Western Cape
Multidisciplinary insights from the UWC researchers working on the project
| 12:15 - 12:20 | Welcome and introduction | Prof. W.D. Tucker and Prof. Blignaut |
| 12:20 - 12:35 | Zenzeleni Networks Documentary Screening | |
| 12:35 - 12:45 | Acceptability of local telcos in rural South Africa | Carlos ReyMoreno, Computer Science Dept. |
| 12:45 - 12:55 | Quantitative impact on expenditure and communications patterns | Tafadzwa Mandava, Statistics Dept. |
| 12:55 - 13:05 | Impact on youth enrolment to Higher Education Institutions | Lwando Mdleleni, Institute for Social Development |
| 13:05 - 13:15 | Critical Exploration and Analysis of Gender Dynamics | Tigist S. Hussen, Gender Studies Dept. |
| 13:15 - 13:40 | Panel and Q & A | All |
| 13:40 - 13:45 | Concluding remarks | Prof. May |
13:45 – 14:15 Tea Break
Present and future of Zenzeleni Networks outside academia
| 14:15 - 14:25 | Introduction to Zenzeleni Networks Mankosi experience | Masbulele Siya, Zenzeleni Networks Mankosi |
| 14:25 - 14:40 | Zenzeleni Networks Documentary Screening | |
| 14:40 - 14:55 | Scope of the Zenzeleni Networks license | Dominic Cull, Ellipsis Regulatory Solutions |
| 14:55 - 15:15 | Website, Policy Brief and Booklet Launch | Michael Graaf (R2K Campaign), Carlos Rey-Moreno (UWC) |
| 15:15 - 15:25 | A look into the Future | Sipelo Lupondwana/Ellen Fischat, SEDA ICT Incubator |
| 15:25 - 15:40 | Open discussion | |
| 15:40 - 15:45 | Closing | Mark Weinberg, National Coordinator R2K Campaign |
15:45 – 17:00 Snacks and refreshments