Among the many inequalities exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the digital divide is probably the most stark.
Skylink Africa, a telecommunications company specialising in under-serviced townships, rural, and farming communities, aims to close this gap, one household at a time.
Skylink is one of 10 finalists in the inaugural IWISA No 1 Community Champions Competition.
Launched in partnership with Premier FMCG, Social Enterprise Connect (SEC), Social Enterprise Academy Africa (SEAA) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the competition identifies, upskills and rewards community-based entrepreneurs for doing good while doing well in the Western Cape.
Although the telecommunications company was not among the three winners named at an awards lunch held at Cape Town Lodge & Hotel on Thursday 23 March, their business pitch – presented by Ziggy Heuer and Bubele Nyiba – was well received by the panel of judges.
Skylink Africa builds Wi-Fi networks for low-cost, high-quality access to broadband internet in areas where no ADSL, fibre, or affordable options exist.
Speaking to People’s Post, Heuer, a Fish Hoek resident, says that the idea for the social enterprise came about during a conversation with his neighbour, Nomzamo Kasana.
“I have worked in the Wi-Fi and telecoms space for about 20 years and I have been in and out of townships and wealthy suburbs, all around South Africa. I saw and experienced a need for this service for myself,” says Heuer.
Stuck at home during lockdown, the two neighbours got talking and the next thing a partnership was struck between him, Kasana, Nyiba and Bryan Banfield.
Heuer explains that he had worked with Banfield – a Pinelands resident – before, and he in turn introduced them to Nyiba who lives in Plumstead.
Like many others, Heuer had lost his job during the pandemic.
“It was a difficult time, and we saw an opportunity and we decided to create a partnership and launch this business,” says Heuer.
Now two years later, the company provides uncapped internet access for more than 241 families living in Masiphumelele, Red Hill Township and Khayelitsha. Other clients include Anglo American, Desmond Tutu Foundation, Ikamva La Bantu, Khumbulani Centre, Living Hope, Redhill Library, Surfpop NPC, South African National Parks and several small businesses.
Heuer shares they are hoping to expand their service to Hangberg and Ocean View.
And with their home broadband offering starting at R50 per month for 2 Mbps uncapped, it is easy to understand why the business has taken off the way it did.
“We have an ICASA licence and we operate like any other internet service provider would. We just use very clever ways of trying to get that bandwidth into the townships. We build from fibre and then we go via Wi-Fi into the townships,” says Heuer.
ICASA is responsible for the licensing of broadcasting services, electronic communication services and postal services.
According to Heuer, Covid-19 accelerated the demand for internet access.
“Education has been a big driver, as has working online. But for me, one of the biggest catalysts of this bandwidth is that younger kids who are bored at home, they don’t go and hang around with dodgy guys and do dodgy stuff.
“They have access to entertainment and they can express themselves, and communicate with their peers and study. Also, entertainment is a massive thing for families, it brings them together, they watch something online, laugh together.”
While all of the 10 pitches presented at Thursday’s award ceremony were inspiring, as the Highlander quote goes, there can be only one.
This year it was Sizwe Nzima from Iyeza Health who won the top spot and the R30 000 prize money.
The company provides logistics business services focusing on increasing access to treatment and healthcare products in the communities. It sustains itself by charging the patients and suppliers a delivery fee.
Second and third places went to Colin Mkosi from Cloudy Deliveries and Thozama Sikiti from Thunariso Organic Garden, respectively. All winners also gain additional expert business mentorship through the SEAA as part of their prize.
