PROPOSAL FOR FREE WIFI TO THE DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM (RDLR)

Transcription

1 PROPOSAL FOR FREE WIFI TO THE DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM (RDLR) Free WiFi For Africa NPC, trading as Project Isizwe NPO Registration NPO 156 DORP STREET, STELLENBOSCH, 7600, SOUTH AFRICA

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS OVERVIEW... 3 THE DEVELOPMENTAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONTEXT... 4 THE LEGAL AND POLICY CONTEXT... 5 THE BENEFITS OF CONNECTIVITY... 6 THE DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM... 6 RURAL REFORM INITIATIVES FOCUSED ON THE YOUTH... 7 STRATEGIC GOALS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM... 9 HOW WILL FREE WIFI ADRESS THE RDLR STRATEGIC GOALS?

3 OVERVIEW The President stated in the 2015 State of the Nation address the importance of connectivity as a growth enabler. In today s fast-paced, digital world, the average South African is at a disadvantage, due to a lack of access to the Internet. There is an enormous amount of services and information, accessible via the Internet that supports informal learning, social inclusion and economic development from which they are excluded. Free Internet Zones (FIZ)s offer a solution to this impasse. Each FIZ will offer a WiFi hotspot, covering open public spaces that will allow learners and community members to simply connect and surf using any WiFi enabled device. Access to the Internet will bridge the digital divide, allow for 21 st Century blended learning, greatly improve communication and stimulate job creation. The impact of this project has the potential to change the trajectory of South Africa s youth, building the leaders of tomorrow and encouraging them to become citizens of the world. Keeping this in mind, it is critical to consider the developmental local government premise of the Constitution which impacts all citizens directly. The benefits of the Internet are of greatest value to those living in rural areas, and yet these same citizens suffer from the slowest speeds and highest prices. The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform s mandate appears most effective when viewed in union with that of developmental local government. 3

4 THE DEVELOPMENTAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONTEXT The White Paper on Local Government, 1998, defines developmental local government as: "...government committed to working with citizens and groups within the community to find sustainable ways to meet their social, economic and material needs and improve the quality of their lives". 1 This new and broad mandate for local government is in line with the objectives for local government set out in the Constitution (1996) (see below). According to the White Paper, it seeks to address the apartheid legacy which "has fundamentally damaged the spatial, economic and social environments in which people live, work, raise families and seek to fulfil their aspirations. The previous local government system led to an extremely uneven distribution of resources and distorted, fragmented patterns of development. The eradication of these distortions and imbalances and the poverty which flows from them is one of the greatest challenges facing local government. Developmental local government should adopt a strategic, creative and integrated approach to local governance to address this challenge. It involves actively seeking partnerships with all role-players that contribute to the development of an area - including other organs of state, the private sector and communities - in order for municipalities to fulfil their core responsibilities in a way that has a lasting and profoundly positive impact on the quality of life of the people they serve. The partnership between local government and the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform is therefore critical to unlock the outcomes intended by both their mandates. 1 National Business Initiative Democratic Local Government : A Guide for Councillors

5 THE LEGAL AND POLICY CONTEXT 1 The Constitution (S152) puts in place a vision for developmental local government and contains the objectives for developmental local government: To provide democratic and accountable government for local communities To ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner To promote social and economic development To promote a safe and healthy environment To encourage the involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government. In terms of the Constitution, the White Paper and the legislation flowing from it, municipalities are required to structure and manage their administration, budgeting and planning processes to give priority to the basic needs of the community, to promote the social and economic development of the community and to participate in national and provincial development programmes. In this respect the two mandates of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and that of Local Government correspond exactly. Connectivity can help to address the developmental mandate of local government and support the strategic goals of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and brings it into alignment with the President and Government s vision expounded in the National Development Plan. 5

6 THE BENEFITS OF CONNECTIVITY The benefits of the Internet are of greatest value to those living in rural areas, and yet these same citizens suffer from the slowest speeds and highest prices. LED PERSPECTIVE: The World Bank estimates that for every 10% of broadband penetration there is a 1, 28% increase in GDP. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION: General access to information. Engaging with citizens in rural areas in order to ascertain service delivery priorities and gain feedback on governance is traditionally very difficult. Internet access allows for realtime conversations and feedback via mobile phones. ONLINE EDUCATION: From teacher training, to early-childhood-development, to distance learning, the Internet empowers learners to overcome local disadvantages and enter the global economy. ONLINE HEALTHCARE: Attracting health workers to rural areas is difficult. The Internet allows for rural citizens to connect with healthcare information and workers via online applications, thereby bridging the healthcare digital divide. The well-documented consequences of Internet access are as follows: THE DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM The Comprehensive Rural Development Plan (CRDP) which was conceptualized by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and adopted by Cabinet in 2009, serves as the overarching policy trajectory of this department. Based on a proactive participatory community-based planning approach to rural development, the envisaged outcome of the process is the creation of vibrant, equitable and sustainable rural communities. 2 2 Policy for the Recapitalisation and Development Programme of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform. 2013:7. 6

7 The context for all rural development and land reform policies is the 1996 Constitution of post-apartheid South Africa. In this instance, the most pertinent sections of the Constitution are 25, 26, 27 and Strong emphasis is being placed on alignment of the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF). Chapter 6 of the NDP sets objectives and focus points to work towards: 1) Agriculture 2) Making Land Reform work 3) Developing non-agricultural activities 4) Human capital, social security, food security and basic services 5) Rural towns 6) Rural governance 7) Farm-worker empowerment and labour relations 8) Inclusive rural development by RURAL REFORM INITIATIVES FOCUSED ON THE YOUTH As part of the National Development Youth Strategy, a specific response for rural youth was developed within the principles of the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP). It is envisaged that job creation and skills development for the youth in the rural areas will ultimately have a positive impact on the future of development and sustainability of the rural areas. This initiative is called National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC). 5 Two of the main objectives of the NARYSEC is to train the youth through specifically developed programmes linked to community needs in rural areas and to develop the youth with multi-disciplinary skills through civic education. Free WiFi can increase education and skills development. The youth of a country is very important for sustainability of the country with regards to its resources, skills capacity and 3 Policy for the Recapitalisation and Development Programme of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform. 2013:6. 4 National Development Plan: An integrated and Include Rural economy. Chapter 6: Department of Rural and Land Reform: Rural Development Framework. 2013:19. 7

8 competitiveness in the market. Therefore, educating the youth should be an investment that governments should not contest. By learning through the Internet, students can communicate with one another, broaden their knowledge and educate themselves on topics that they find interesting. Methods of educating the youth have drastically changed over time. The old language-based literacy and numeracy skills have now been joined by the new visual, spatial and analytical skills of the digital age. 6 Education can no longer be isolated from the Internet and therefore, free WiFi could support students in rural areas to be part of the future movement. By creating a learning culture through social media, applications and games, students will soon be motivated to strive toward selfimprovement and help others to access education. 6 World Youth Report. 2003:41. 8

9 STRATEGIC GOALS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM Strategic Goal Description Goal Statement 1 Corporate governance and service excellence Foster corporate governance and service excellence through compliance with the legal framework 2 Improve land administration for integrated and sustainable growth and development Improve land administration and spatial planning for integrated sustainable growth and development with a bias towards rural areas 3 Promote equitable access to and sustainable use of land for development An inclusive and equitable land dispensation with transformed patterns of land tenure and use 4 Promote sustainable rural livelihoods Improve rural livelihoods as a result of capabilities, income and job opportunities provided 5 Improve access to services Improve access to services in rural areas through the coordination of quality infrastructure 6 Sustainable rural enterprises and industries Promote economically, socially and environmentally viable rural enterprises and industries 7 Restore Land rights Restoration of land rights or equitable redress to those dispossessed of rights in land as a result of past racially discriminatory laws or practices, and solicitation and receipt of new claims for restitution of land rights by 31 December Department of Rural and Land Reform Strategic Plan :25. 9

10 HOW WILL FREE WIFI ADRESS THE RDLR STRATEGIC GOALS? Programme 1: Administration Strategic objectives , as well as Risk Management: The risks that the department is currently facing include weak and fragmented ICT environment and infrastructure, lack of alignment between business operating models, organisational structure and strategic objectives, fraud and corruption, failure to maintain vacancy rate and inability to achieve a clean audit By introducing free WiFi, the ICT system can significantly update their infrastructure by running regular updates, make use of online programmes that support their systems and have an anti-virus programme to avoid the risk of losing data. This will also address the problems of fraud and corruption as this can be regulated through proper ICT services, password verification and secure online databases. 2. Often employees need to resign from their positions due to family commitments, time-consuming travelling to and from the office or other factors, such as tension between colleagues. By introducing Free WiFi, employees can now work from home, have more flexible hours and save time by not travelling and being caught up in the traffic. 3. With free WiFi, the alignment between businesses could be improved by setting up a network for colleagues to communicate, share information and resources and keep up to date with changes in policies. This will increase the effectiveness of achieving the strategic objectives by avoiding duplication and by sharing knowledge and learning from one another. 8 Department of Rural and Land Reform Strategic Plan :28. 10

11 Programme 2: National Geomatics Management Services Strategic Objectives , as well as Risk Management: As part of Strategic objective 2.3, there is a need for a modernised Cadastre solution. The justification of the goal is that the solution will provide improved security of tenure, which is responsive to the needs of the people and the demands of the times, whilst ensuring efficient customer service to a broader client base. 9 With free WiFi, the option of community access can be addressed. By logging in with personal details, a community member can view the progress of an enquiry that has been made or a claim they filed. This will serve the community in an efficient way by helping them to save travel costs in finding a department, avoid long queues and ensure secure record keeping. Programme 3: Rural Development Strategic Objectives , as well as Risk Management: Free WiFi deployments in rural areas immediately empowers citizens and assists those that are most vulnerable in the ways described in the overview. Telecoms infrastructure is a cornerstone of a foundation to address economic inequality, and free WiFi is the most viable means of bringing Internet to rural areas. Free WiFi stimulates local economic activity, allowing local entrepreneurs to sell goods online. The World Bank estimates that for every 10% of broadband penetration there is a 1, 28% increase in GDP. Furthermore, businesses are attracted to locations with fast broadband speeds. Distance learning programs can be accessed online, allowing learners to up-skill without requiring geographic relocation and concomitant costs. Free WiFi allows the unemployed to search and apply for jobs via online marketplaces such as Gumtree. 9 Department of Rural and Land Reform Strategic Plan :29. 11

12 Programme 4: Restitution Strategic Objective 4.1, as well as Risk Management The purpose of this programme is to settle land restitution claims under the Restitution of Land Rights Act (1994) and provide settlement support to beneficiaries. Within the risk management analysis, reputational risk linked to delays in settlement of claims have been identified. The mitigation plan is to ensure statutory commission meetings to be held with formal and widespread communication aim, including media as well as release of quarterly statistics. 10 By adding information on the RDLR s website, community members will be able to access the information by making use of free WiFi. ing is an effective way to send out newsletters and notices to inform people of meetings and update them on any progress made. Programme 5: Land Reform Strategic Objectives , as well as Risk Management As part of strategic objective 5.2, to provide comprehensive farm development support, free WiFi will ensure the farmer has access to limitless information regarding agriculture farming methods in order to start farming on a land, to grow their business as a smallholder farmer and to transform the land they own. Other business skills such as management, strategic planning, financial aspects, record keeping of stock and other important skills that are necessary to start up farming will be available. The department of Rural Development and Land Reform could also provide online training, consultations via skype and any other assistance needed via the use of online platforms. Farmers can set up a network amongst themselves to support each other through challenges such as floods, draughts and market related difficulties. This will assist them in learning from one another by discussing their issues, giving advice, and most importantly, learning from one another. 10 Department of Rural and Land Reform Strategic Plan :33. 12

13 Project Isizwe, a Non-Profit Organisation came up with an innovative solution to offer free WiFi as a basic service which will allow for the Internet access embarked on by the three spheres of government. Project Isizwe and its approach to facilitate the establishment of Free Internet Zones is detailed in the accompanying information. A partnership with Isizwe will result in increased levels of connectivity, affordable WiFi and the envisaged outcomes of achieving the strategic goals of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform. 13