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June 26, 2025, Johannesburg: IHS South Africa, part of the IHS Holding Limited (NYSE: IHS) (“IHS Towers”) group, one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count has launched a public Wi-Fi initiative in KwaMashu, Durban in collaboration with Project Isizwe. This initiative provides unlimited, free internet access to local residents, students, job seekers, and entrepreneurs.
In a country where over 15 million people (roughly 21% of the population) still lack internet access, youth unemployment stands at 60%, and small businesses often have limited access to affordable digital tools, connectivity is crucial and has the power to promote education, create job opportunities, and support community development.
Preceding the launch event, held at the KwaMashu G Community Hall, 10 unemployed youth from KwaMashu received digital and ICT-related training facilitated by IHS South Africa's partner, Social Coding. Through a five-day training program, they were introduced to various skills relating to virtual reality technologies, mobile applications, exhibition management techniques, effective communication, customer service, and technical troubleshooting. These new skills and technologies were presented during the launch ceremony to local community members through 10 interactive stands.
Following the launch, digital engagement will shift to local primary schools, featuring a specialized robotics showcase for younger audiences.
Sandile Msimango, CEO, IHS South Africa, commented, “Connectivity is more than a luxury; it is a lifeline. This initiative is not just about providing internet; it's about empowering a community with essential resources for education, economic growth, and comprehensive digital inclusion. We believe this collaboration provides a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can ignite digital opportunities and help transform township economies and communities across South Africa.
Beyond facilitating connectivity, we also need to provide young people with new opportunities to acquire digital skills so that they can serve as technology ambassadors for their communities. We are proud to work with partners such as Project Isizwe and Social Coding to help bring these opportunities, alongside community connectivity, to the next generation."
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About IHS Towers: IHS Towers is one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count and is solely focused on the emerging markets. The company has over 39,000 towers across its eight markets, including Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Zambia. For more information, please email: communications@ihstowers.com or visit: www.ihstowers.com
About Project Isizwe: Project Isizwe is a South African non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the digital divide by providing free, uncapped internet access to underserved communities and schools nationwide. Founded in 2013, Project Isizwe partners with funders, government, and Internet Service Providers to deploy public Wi-Fi hotspots in low-income areas, enabling equitable access to education, information, and economic opportunities. With a vision of achieving uncapped internet in every classroom, Project Isizwe has connected millions of South Africans to reliable Wi-Fi, empowering learners, educators, and residents to thrive in the digital economy.