Partially-privatised state-owned mobile operator Telkom has reached an agreement with the Competition Commission that will see South Africans have free public access Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) managed website to access government information and service.
Telkom is also offering free access to educational institutions, including primary websites of more than six universities and Further Education and Training institutions as well as knowledge- enhancing sites such as Wikipedia, Everything Science, Everything Maths and the Department of Basic Education Cloud.
Telkom CEO, Sipho Maseko, said: “Telkom is pleased that following concerns identified during the data services market inquiry, we were able to reach this settlement with the Commission.”
Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, who leads the GCIS said Telkom’s initiative will empower citizens with information that they can use to build a better life for themselves and their communities.
“In line with our nation’s single greatest challenge – that of youth unemployment – www.gov.za is used predominantly by young people looking for jobs and for information about opportunities and services that can enhance their employability or qualifications,” Mthembu said.
