Samsung has launched a digital village in South Africa. The digital village is in the community of Matshiding Village, Mpumalanga. A statement by Samsung revealed the digital resource will provide access to advanced ICT, education and health services to under-resourced areas; it would also bridge the digital divide and serving as a catalyst for local business development and government service delivery.
Through the digital village initiative, Samsung is providing a solar powered internet school, built to accommodate up to 24 learners; a solar powered telemedical centre; and a solar power generator that powers up the admin centre.
“It gives us great pleasure and pride that we are the recipients of a DV from Samsung and look to it to improve the quality and standard of life for the community. This will give local people access to information through the Internet School and best healthcare from the Telemedical Centre. We are excited and grateful to Samsung for nominating our community to receive the DV,” says Gillion Mashego, MEC for Health in Mpumalanga.
The digital village model addresses the electrification challenge which is one of Africa’s largest economic challenges.
Pitso Kekana, Samsung Head of Public Affairs & Corporate Citizenship: South and Southern Africa said: “The Digital Village is part of Samsung’s Corporate Citizenship programme designed to positively impact the lives of millions of people. Digital Villages have been established in Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, DR Congo, and in South Africa in places like Cosmo City, Johannesburg, Maubane, North West Province and today we are delighted to be donating this solution to the Matshiding Village.”
