The Gauteng Department of e-Government will be rolling out free WiFi. Picture: iStock
The Gauteng Department of e-Government will roll out free Wi-Fi in hostels located in the City of Johannesburg.
A consultative meeting was held with hostel leaders from the various hostels on 5 November 2025 to discuss the planned roll-out of the free WIFI as part of the GPN’s expansion program.
Project
This project is expected to commence in November and is expected to end in December 2025.
The e-Government said the engagement is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to bring new developments and digitise townships, informal settlements and hostels known as TISH.
“The rolling out of free WIFI in hostels will allow hostel dwellers to be connected on the internet and easily access government services online.
“The hostels to be connected include Diepkloof, Mzimhlophe, Jabulani, Madala Hostel, Helen Joseph, Dobsenville, George Goge, Nobuhle, Denver, Nancefield, Alexandra, Dube, Mapetla and Orlando West, amongst others,” it said.
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Internet access
MEC Bonginkosi Dhlamini stated that access to the internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity that enables learning, job seeking, entrepreneurship and citizen participation.
“Through this initiative, we are bringing digital access closer to communities that were previously underserved.”
TISH
Dhlamini believes the project will benefit all communities within the TISH areas in and around the City of Johannesburg.
“We kindly request that the leadership welcome and accept this new technology that will benefit our hostels. Kindly use this WIFI for accessing job opportunities as well as government services.”
Empowerment
According to the eGovernment, the project has been welcomed.
An opportunity was given to the hostel leaders to express themselves. They all welcomed the initiative and committed to providing their support.
“A young person residing in the Nobuhle Hostel, Philani Nyandeni, appreciated the project and stated that young people will greatly benefit from the free WIFI provided by the government as they are exploring new career opportunities, such as content creation, in the fight against unemployment,” the eGovernment said.
He said the free WIFI will also allow them to do free courses online in furthering their studies.
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