PILOT SITES There are 6 pilot sites for the Cape Access project: The Cape Access programme is using both new and existing infrastructure to provide rural communities with access to information technology and the benefits that can be derived from this. By using existing computer centres in local schools and multi-purpose centres, Cape Access is helping communities to get the greatest benefit from these facilities. New computer centres have been installed in libraries in communities where there are no facilities or extra-facilities are required. The pilot sites situated in libraries are using the Smart Cape technology developed by the City of Cape Town for the Cape Town library access project (Smart Cape). This provides users with the ability to register online, create their own email accounts and access the Internet. Users are limited to 45 minute sessions at any of the five library computers. The MPC and school sites are using the existing technology at those sites. This may be upgraded in the future to provide users with email accounts.
e-COMMUNITY FORUMS Each Cape Access site is centred around an e-Community Forum, consisting of various representatives from the community, including community leaders, community NGOs, facility representatives and interested community members. | Area | e-Community Forum | Chairperson | | Bitterfontein | WestPoint.com | Cornelius Ovies | | Struisbaai | Bua e-Community Forum | Anneke Klopper | | Oudtshoorn | Ulwazi e-Community Forum | Thembeka Nqceza | | Van Rhynsdorp | Matzi.com | Joanny Stuurman | | Elim | Elim e-Community Forum | Martin Sallies | | George | George e-Community Forum | Clive Zinkfontein | An enormous amount of time and energy has gone into the consolidation of these forums, as research has shown that many other tele-centre initiatives have failed because they focussed too much on the technological issues and not enough on the human issues around acceptance, training and promotion. It is essential that communities play a leading role in defining what is required and how the project should operate. Communities also need to take responsibility for the sustained use of facilities. The e-Community Forums will manage access to the facilities as well as other logistical details. They are also charged with mobilising the community and will play a key role in training community members.
LINKS WITH OTHER PROJECTS The Cape Access project is part of a suite of e-society projects currently being delivered by the Centre for e-Innovation. These projects are interconnected and adopt a holistic approach to ICT and development. Cape Skills Training support will be provided to the e-Community Forums through the Centre for e-Innovation's Cape Skills e-Literacy project. The project will train members of the e-Community Forums as trainers who will in turn train members of the community. This initiative is being run in partnership with bridges.org. Cape Gateway Cape Gateway is a channel through which citizens can get easy access to government information and services. Users of the Cape Access facilities will be introduced to the Cape Gateway portal and training will be provided on how to use the portal and other government online information services. Other projects that are interfacing with Cape Access include, RED Door, Library Business Corners and the Multi Purpose Community Centres.
FUNDING The Centre for e-Innovation has provided funding for the Cape Access project until 2006. Additional support is provided by the City of Cape Town through the technology, expertise and experience built around the Smart Cape Project. Once the pilot project sites are fully operation and have been carefully assessed, the Cape Access model (as adjusted according to the assessments) will be rolled out to other communities. It is anticipated that additional funding will be raised for this rollout from funding organisations and business.
PHASES OF THE PROJECT Phase 1 ( July 2004 - March 2005) - Initial research
- Selection of pilot sites
- Creation of e-Community Forums.
Phase 2 (March 2005 - March 2007) - Monitoring and evaluation of pilot sites
Phase 3 ( 2007 – ) - Business plans development
- Fund raising for roll-out (co-ordinated by CeI)
CONTACT DETAILS For more information on the Cape Access Project contact: Refilwe Tshabalala
Tel: 021 483 3794
Fax: 021 483 5888
rtshabal@pgwc.gov.za Or get contact details for each of the six pilot sites: |
