The Gauteng Department of e-Government will be rolling out free WIFIin hostels located in the City of Johannesburg, known as the Gauteng Provincial Network (GPN).
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.
The engagement held is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to bring new developments and digitise Townships, Informal Settlements and Hostels known as TISH areas. 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.
MEC Bonginkosi Dhlamini stated that access to 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” Dhlamini said.
This 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” added the MEC
This project will commence in November and is expected to end in December 2025.
An opportunity was given to the hostel leaders to express themselves. They all welcomed the initiative and committed to provide themselves, They alL welcomed the initiative and committed to provide their support.
A young person residing in the Nobuhle Hostel Philani Nyandeni, appreciated theproject and stated that young people will greatly benefit from the free WIFI providedby government as they are exploring new career opportunities such as contentcreation in the fight against unemployment. The free WIFI will also allow them to do free courses online in furthering their studies.
SUPPLIED.
