More than100 WiFi towers launched by Google South Africa across Langa & surrounds

Tech

07 Nov 2019

Langa, Khayelitsha and Gugulethu residents can now get unlimited free WiFi through Google

Business Insider SA

James de Villiers ,

 

• Residents on the Cape Flats are now able to access unlimited free WiFi through Google. 
• Google launched the service at 100 locations on Thursday, hoping to uplift some of the most vulnerable communities in Cape Town. 
• It also announced a R14.7 million investment to support the economic empowerment of girls and women. 
• Go to www.BusinessInsider.co.za for more.

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Cape Flats residents across Cape Town now have access to unlimited free WiFi through Google. 

 

 

Over 100 WiFi towers, called Google Stations, were launched by Google South Africa across Langa, Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Delft, Elsies River, and Philippi on Thursday. 

Google Africa director Nitin Gajria said the areas represent some of the most under-served communities in the country, with high unemployment and crime rates. 

“By gaining access to information via the internet, we hope that people in these communities will get a more equal opportunity to learn and develop and live more empowered lives,” Gajria said. 

@Google 4 South Africa Event "Google Station" free public wifi access 24hrs in SA in 100 locations including townships & remote areas @thinkfreewifi partners to this incredible project pic.twitter.com/zrje27vBYs

— Diana Schwarz / Diana Schwarz Attorneys (@DianaSchwarz81) November 7, 2019

Google said the WiFi will be accessible in residences, public areas, universities, transportation hubs and shopping malls. 

Alongside its WiFi rollout, Google also announced a $1 million (roughly R14.7 million) investment in South Africa to support the economic empowerment of girls and women. 

Business Insider South Africa previously reported that Cell C is hoping to use lamp posts, bus stops, transport hubs and council-owned buildings in Cape Town as WiFi hotspots. 

The telecommunications company signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the City of Cape Town last October, but no timelines for the project were given.

LANGA HOCKEY

Langa township's hockey talent gives them stick 

Wednesday 14 May 2014 - 7:25am

CAPE TOWN - In 1960, the eyes of the world were on South Africa during the political turmoil, which saw many lives lost in townships such as Sharpville and Langa.

Sport has played a pivotal role in helping Langa overcome its challenges since those dark days of apartheid. 

Today the battlefields of the past have been turned into playing grounds by teams like Langa Hockey Club.

The club is also proud of being the only one in a township in South Africa that has an astro turf.

Hockey was first introduced to Langa by the late South African cricket coach Bob Woolmer in 1987.

Woolmer, who used to run cricket coaching clinics in the township, wanted his cricketers to stay active during the cricket off-season.

He achieved a real coup by introducing a sport which is rarely played in most of South Africa’s disadvantaged communities.

The Langa hockey club&39;s story is one that brings hope to a community that continues to strive for a positive future despite many of its past and present challenges.

Its aim now is to continue striving for excellence in a sport that is still unknown in many of the country’s poor communities.

As eNCA reporter Ronald Masinda shows, there’s a plethora of hockey talent in Langa - watch his video report in the gallery above.