Techno boost for rural youth

THE uMhlathuze Municipality plans to roll out new public Wi-Fi hot spots in rural areas.

While it has already spent more than R3-million to provide free Wi-Fi at many public facilities, the municipality says the focus in the 2021/22 financial year will be on rural communities as part of ongoing efforts to bridge the gap and empower the youth in these areas.

'One significant achievement targeting uMhlathuze's young people is the implementation of a council resolution to empower youth by providing free access to the internet.

'This support assists them in unlocking business opportunities, seeking employment, completing school work and advancing their different skills and talents,' said uMhlathuze Municipality's communications manager Mdu Ncalane.

'High data costs remain problematic to many, but we believe it should not hinder the development of young people.'

This as the country celebrates Youth Month, which is this year celebrated under the theme, 'The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke: Growing youth employment for an inclusive and transformed society'.

'The city is dominated by youth in both urban and rural areas, hence all our strategic strides for community development have to focus on young people,' said Ncalane.