an internet service provider (ISP) founded by former Vodacom Business and South African Airways CEO Vuyani Jarana has secured an undisclosed sum of funding to expand fibre connectivity in SA’s low-income areas The ISP received a “significant” investment from Meridiam at the United Nations International Telecommunication Union conference in Geneva its ambition is to expand Ilitha’s high-speed fibre network to at least 500 000 low-income homes and unlocking economic opportunity and job creation in these underserved communities high-speed internet is a fundamental human right and an enabler of economic opportunity,” said Jarana CEO and founder of Ilitha Telecommunications “Yet many people living in townships and rural areas lack access and remain locked out of opportunity This investment from Meridiam will help bridge that gap by significantly expanding broadband access and opening doors to education while directly contributing to job creation and fostering entrepreneurship in the communities that need it most.” Jarana launched Ilitha in 2019, promising affordable internet in underserviced areas. The company debuted its brand and services in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. The ISP received its initial investment from Microsoft Airband. Ilitha notes the Meridiam funding will focus on rolling out affordable, high-speed fibre internet to underserved communities across South Africa, starting in the Eastern Cape. By offering flexible, pay-as-you-go broadband internet plans for as low as R3 per day, or R90 per month, using fibre to the home and on-the-go WiFi from hotspots rolled-out in the area, Ilitha says it is making connectivity accessible to households that would otherwise struggle to afford it. “This will empower communities by providing access to essential online services in education and healthcare, and create much-needed economic opportunity,” says the ISP. In addition to connectivity, it notes this expansion will create significant employment opportunities, helping address persistent unemployment challenges, especially among youth and women. According to the firm, previous deployments have shown that for every 36 homes connected, one job is created throughout the project, either directly in infrastructure deployment, or indirectly through local service and support roles. It adds that with reliable internet access, township entrepreneurs can expand their businesses, students can learn, and families can access critical services that are increasingly delivered online. “With this investment, we aim to play a catalytic role in the nascent but fast-growing internet market in the underserved areas of South Africa,” says Marie Lam Frendo, Meridiam partner and chief strategy officer. “But even more importantly, we expect to contribute to a tangible positive social and economic impact on township communities by providing them with reliable, affordable and fast internet connectivity.” AVBOB celebrates a milestone by rewarding its members on a large scale EAST LONDON - At least 500,000 low-income homes will be getting access to high-speed internet.  And it's all thanks to a major investment announced by telecommunications service provider Ilitha Telecommunications with backing from global investor Meridiam.  Welcome to IPE Real Assets. This site uses cookies. Read our policy By 2025-01-23T13:48:00+00:00 Meridiam is expanding its African portfolio through a new renewable energy partnership in Egypt with Hassan Allam Utilities (HAU) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and a majority stake acquisition in South African telecoms firm Ilitha Telecommunications The infrastructure manager said the partnership with HAU and EBRD will develop and invest in greenfield renewable energy projects is a €1bn wind power plant comprising two 550MW sites in a Gulf of Suez desert area Construction is set to begin in January 2025 with full commercial operation expected by 2027 for a 25-year period which is being made via the Meridiam TURF B Fund will enable the telecommunication firm to accelerate its fibre rollout in South Africa’s township communities partner at Meridiam and chief strategy officer we aim to play a catalytic role in the nascent but fast-growing internet market in the underserved areas of South Africa we expect to contribute to a tangible positive social and economic impact on township communities by providing them with reliable affordable and fast internet connectivity.” The size of Meridiam’s stake in Ilitha was undisclosed said: “Access to the internet has become a basic human right yet many people living in townships and rural communities do not have access to affordable quality broadband services “Ilitha is not just about bringing internet to these communities it’s about the “Over the Internet Services” information as well as household security through deployment surveillance cameras linked to the internet.” To read the latest IPE Real Assets magazine click here Copyright © 1997–2025 IPE International Publishers Limited Site powered by Webvision Cloud llitha Telecommunications chief executive officer and co-founder Backed by two development finance institutions and Microsoft Vuyani Jarana −former Vodacom Business chief officer and South African Airways CEO − has unveiled llitha Telecommunications promising affordable internet in underserviced areas it launched its brand and services in Mdantsane with co-founder Jarana saying the company has funding support from the Industrial Development Corporation and Development Bank of Southern Africa which means the rays of the sun or sunshine or light is a reflection of the company’s core values which is “providing light at the end of the dark tunnel for people who have been left behind without access to affordable internet” He explains: “The speed at which the company is providing this connectivity through fibre is super-fast – much like the speed of light “Initially our informal payoff line was ‘leave no person behind’ and in providing the people who pay the most for data access to the internet Its entrance on the market comes as more companies and government are increasingly seeking to connect underserviced areas Government is leading the charge in the provision of cheaper and stable digital telecoms connectivity across SA after concluding the auctioning of high-demand spectrum Last week, Project Isizwe became the latest entity to reveal plans to provide affordable internet access in underserviced areas TooMuchWifi, a South African internet service provider, recently revealed plans to scale the provision of affordable internet after receiving $1 million (about R16 million) to hasten operations setting an ambitious target of “connecting homes in the township and rural areas “Government has been on record about its desire to lower the costs of data we have just started making that dream a reality,” says Jarana the company “offers unique fibre-to-the-home products with access to the network available in one-day All products offer unlimited data on a 20/20 Mbps speed basis Buying access can be done online with vouchers from all major retailers credit cards and other widely-used payment methods which are familiar to customers The internet has become the most powerful engine for human development and reduction of inequality hence access to affordable quality broadband has become a human rights issue,” says Jarana “We see our project going beyond what traditional telcos in South Africa have done all these years; we see internet as a vehicle to create digital jobs in the townships.” Furthermore, Jarana says the company is working with the Microsoft Airband initiative, which aims to close the digital divide and bring high-speed internet connectivity to unconnected communities around the world. Since 2017, the initiative has helped more than 33 million people in underserved communities globally gain access to affordable broadband coverage. “We are not launching just another telco; our purpose goes beyond the internet. We can’t see why someone living in a township cannot also live in a smart city. To do this, we need to start with affordable unlimited internet. “We know that the poorest South Africans pay the most for data in South Africa, as they cannot afford data contracts or bigger data bundles,” Jarana notes. co-founder of Workonline Communications Group The profound impact of an internet point of presence (POP) in East London is proving to revolutionise internet connectivity in the Eastern Cape The POP was established by one of the largest IP transit providers on the African continent, Workonline Communications Group at the East London Industrial Development Zone Datacentre (ELIDZ DC) there has been a tangible improvement in internet connectivity and access in the region The move has attracted more interest in the area The remarkable difference is the benefit the enhanced connectivity is bringing to low-income households. One particular company, Ilitha Telecommunications prepaid broadband internet to underserved areas like townships emphasised the transformative power of having infrastructure in the region highlighting its significance for local networks "The introduction of the Workonline Communications POP in East London has been a game-changer It not only serves the forgotten people of the Eastern Cape but significantly saves costs for network providers transforming the dynamics of connectivity in our region." Holmes touched on the vital aspects of improving internet infrastructure in the Eastern Cape as the fourth most populated province in South Africa according to the latest Census 2022 results He emphasised: "The collaboration between wholesale providers investing in regional infrastructure and broadband providers leveraging that to serve communities at low cost is drawing attention to the Eastern Cape providing connectivity solutions to previously overlooked areas." There is a critical need to bolster internet infrastructure in the Eastern Cape due to longstanding neglect that the region has faced Holmes pointed out that the collaboration helps rectify historical disparities He stated: “Our efforts are not just about technological advancement; they're about rectifying a long-standing issue of neglect By Workonline establishing a robust POP in East London we're placing the Eastern Cape on the map drawing much-needed attention to areas that have been overlooked in terms of technological advancements “This initiative isn't solely about improving connectivity; it's a statement of empowerment for communities that have been underserved for far too long It's about bridging the digital divide and ensuring that the Eastern Cape stands shoulder to shoulder with other tech-savvy regions." Holmes elaborated: "Directing traffic out of the Eastern Cape instead of relying on distant locations like Durban or Johannesburg It's a fundamental shift that ensures parity in pricing for internet access in comparison to other major cities." the collaboration has set the stage for enhanced internet reliability paving the way for increased data centre presence Holmes noted: "Encouraging companies to establish data centres in the Eastern Cape further strengthens the network it becomes a central hub for diverse internet routes." added: "Our joint endeavours showcase how partnerships can foster innovation and transform the regional landscape We're not merely building infrastructure; we're forging pathways for economic growth and technological advancement."  Workonline Communications Group Workonline (AS 37271) is one of the largest and the fastest growing IP transit networks in Africa The company is focused on providing highly scalable and flexible service options to meet the needs of carriers X: www.twitter.com/wolcomm Facebook: www.facebook.com/WorkonlineCommunications LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/workonline-communications Website: www.workonline.africa/news Email: bizdev@workonline.africa By Bongani Fuzile A controversial housing project in Ilitha township southwest of Berlin which is meant to replace over 200 decaying wooden homes built in the 1970s by the Ciskei homeland government is to have seen 224 wooden homes replaced with 262 modern and permanent structures BCM city manager Andile Sihlahla published the names of 58 housing beneficiaries in the Daily Dispatch giving them 30 working days to present themselves at the human settlements department in King William’s Town for a discussion about their housing subsidy There has been concern from Ilitha residents about who is to benefit first There were also allegations that those who were close to ward 45 councillor Thozamile Norexe were prioritised over those whose need was greater there were allegations that government employees and employed people were occupying finished houses while the elderly and destitute were struggling to access them Councillor Norexe was one of the people who spearheaded the demolishing of the wooden houses but yesterday he had not responded at the time of going to print According to documents seen by the Dispatch the project was started in November 2013 and was suppose to have been completed by November 2014 For the past four years the project has been tainted by allegations of corruption that have delayed construction only 40 houses had been demolished and residents were fuming A company employed to do the work blamed the delay on ongoing service delivery unrest in the area The company has asked for an extension to complete the work Residents have lost hope that the project will ever be finished lIlitha residents can contact Thobile Witbooi of BCM on 043-604-8325 or visit the KWT civic centre’s office between 8am-4.30pm from Monday to Friday for assistance and website in this browser for the next time I comment Recaptcha Change Image Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" (Image source: CSIR) The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has appointed Vuyani Jarana − former Vodacom Business chief officer and South African Airways (SAA) CEO – as chairperson of its board the CSIR announced Dr Yunus Ballim as a new board member The scientific and technology research organisation took to the career-focused social media platform LinkedIn to welcome Jarana and Ballim We look forward to making the CSIR even more epic with your guidance,” said the entity about its new chairperson Jarana is CEO of Ilitha Telecommunications. Backed by two development finance institutions and Microsoft, Ilitha Telecommunications was announced last year promising to deliver affordable internet in underserviced areas The brand and services were launched in Mdantsane Jarana said the company “offers unique fibre-to-the-home products with access to the network available in one-day Prior to joining the CSIR, Jarana was CEO of SAA. He left Vodacom Business in 2017, to head up SAA. He is described as a C-level business leader, and strategy, business development and business transformation expert. Jarana holds an Honours and Master’s in business administration, both from Stellenbosch University. Ballim is an emeritus professor at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (retired in 2021) at the University of the Witwatersrand. Prior to this role, he was vice-chancellor at Sol Plaatje University, in Kimberley. He has held various positions in academia as well as industry. Ballim holds a PhD in engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand. Xolisa Zamxaka is an agricultural economist and farmer Xolisa Zamxaka understood the power of agriculture The farmer and agricultural economist believes that agriculture is the answer in the battle against poverty in Mzansi a small-scale farming business in the Kei Farm Village of kuCentane Ilitha Farming is a mixed farming operation with vegetables and livestock Zamxaka’s vegetables are grown on four hectares of land while his livestock operations are run on communal lands in his native village Speaking to the inspiration behind Ilitha Farming “I was at home during Covid-19 when the notion for beginning Ilitha Farming came We planted vegetables for household [use] then the idea came while I was in the garden to instruct people in farming through online platforms like Zoom video calls – for the reason that people were not allowed to gather in small numbers at one place.” Zamxaka also offers training and mentorship as well as consultation services for new farmers in the Eastern Cape The company also assists farmers in the province with services such as company registration mentorship services and farming business plans Zamxaka was born and raised in the Kei Farm Village where he was surrounded by neighbours and family members who loved to grow their own food We have been also expected to assist in the planting season with crops such as maize All that he learned about growing food was influenced by his late father He matriculated from the Phandulwazi Agricultural High School in Alice and completed his master’s degree in agricultural economics at Fort Hare University in 2015 he worked for various organisations such as Umtiza Farmers Coop and the department of rural development and agrarian reform he knows the struggle of people who need a hand up but can’t find assistance to their plight Zamxaka believes that people are keen to grow their own food and pursue farming but often struggle due to lack of training opportunities “Ilitha farming is a neighbourhood development programme Its purpose [initially] was simply to farm for profit however now it has been all about helping people from a disadvantaged background get proper agricultural training.” Zamxaka sells his livestock and produce to Ngumbela Fruit and Vegetables in Butterworth Eventually he hopes to expand his enterprise. “We also get large orders directly from people who have catering businesses.” His primary goal is to get a bigger farm where they can continue to farm both crops and livestock Zamxaka says that with changing climates and forecasts in the long run food might be very expensive People need to grow their own food now for a sustainable future “I highly recommend youth to enroll in agricultural related studies as we need more people to participate in the food production industry Another good thing there are a lot of careers within agriculture industry which makes it very interesting career.” ALSO READ: Drug dealer turned farmer ploughs back Get Stories of Change: Inspirational stories from the people that feed Mzansi This week's agricultural events include Food For Mzansi's Nampo Bothaville lunchtime conversations Deloitte's conversation with agricultural experts With 21 global awards in the first six years of its existence Food For Mzansi is much more than an agriculture publication unashamedly saluting the unsung heroes of South African agriculture We believe in the power of agriculture to promote nation building and social cohesion by telling stories that are often overlooked by broader society Contact usOffice: +27 21 879 1824News: info@foodformzansi.co.zaAdvertising: sales@foodformzansi.co.za