ICT

5G is being deployed at a Limpopo mine.

Sector Insight

Donations are creating opportunities for school pupils.

including the development of investment models and strategies for sustainability.

MTN and Huawei are working together with Minetec Smart Mining to create a 5G-enabled smart mine at Garatau in the Fetakgomo Tubase Local Municipality. Nkwe Platinum and Zijin Platinum intend the pilot project to improve monitoring and performance in all spheres.

Ebenezer High School in Mahwelereng, Mokopane, now has its own computer laboratory, pictured, courtesy of Netcare Foundation through non-profit social enterprise One on One Community Based Programmes.

Mamaolo Primary School in Chuenespoort, Polokwane, received a similar donation of second-hand computers which are helping to expose pupils to a wider range of subject choices and skills that will help them when they enter the job market.

The Provincial Government of Limpopo has previously provided teachers with laptops and scholars with tablets at selected schools in the 1-3 quintiles.

Digital Hubs are to be created at Seshego in Polokwane and Nkowankowa in the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality of the Mopani District Municipality. The hubs will offer training, provide access to ICT facilities and enable incubation for young entrepreneurs in the ICT sector.

Limpopo Connexion has been appointed as the operator of the Seshego hub and the provincial government has budgeted R23-million for the project.

Good progress has been made in rolling out digital infrastructure in the province, with a Data Centre, a Network Operating Control Centre and a Contact Centre complete. A total of 52 sites have been connected to the network, using both fibre and satellite technologies. Phase One of the Broadband project is complete,

Online Resources

State Information Technology Agency: www.sita.co.za

Support Programme for Industrial Innovation: www.spii.co.za Technology Innovation Agency: www.tia.org.za

Serial property developer Mike Nkuna has announced that his Masingita Group will develop a R5.4-billion project in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality in the far northeast of the province. To be called Nkuna Smart City, Construction Review reports that 119 hectares at Nkuzana hamlet, near the town of Elim, has been allocated for the project.

The National Department of Communications is responsible for the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), the regulator of communications, broadcasting and postal services, the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and three other agencies.

The Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP) is a programme of the National Research Foundation and supports an average of 235 projects per year. THRIP supports initiatives that use science to bring benefits to wider society. This can relate to boosting distant rural computer literacy or for scientists working at the University of Venda who have received THRIP funding for soil research. ■