Digital inclusion in action: Zenzeleni’s vision for Mgcibe and Ntshilini

Zenzeleni is expanding their community network to bring affordable, reliable internet services to the villages of Mgcibe and Ntshilini in South Africa.

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Theresa Haans
4 February 2025
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In today’s world, reliable internet access is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity for education, economic growth, and social development. Yet, for many rural communities, connectivity remains out of reach, creating a divide that limits opportunity and deepens inequality.

Zenzeleni Community Network is working to change that. Through innovative, community-driven solutions, they’re breaking down barriers to digital access in underserved areas. Their latest project brings this vision to life by expanding affordable, reliable internet services to the villages of Mgcibe and Ntshilini.

This initiative is more than just a technical upgrade—it’s a transformative step toward empowering these communities to participate fully in the digital economy, access critical services, and shape their futures. In this blog, we’ll explore how Zenzeleni’s network expansion is creating lasting impact and laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining model of digital inclusion.

Can you briefly describe the project?

This project focuses on expanding Zenzeleni Community Network’s (CN) services to Mgcibe and Ntshilini, two neighboring villages near Mankosi, where Zenzeleni CN is currently based. It marks a pivotal step in transitioning from a donor-funded initiative to a self-sustaining, community-driven Internet Service Provider (ISP). Building on the existing network infrastructure in Mankosi, Zenzeleni CN will extend its reach to meet the growing demand for affordable connectivity in these underserved areas. Designed as a phased initiative, the project has already completed the first of five planned stages.

Why were Mgcibe and Ntshilini chosen for network expansion?

Mgcibe and Ntshilini were selected based on a combination of strategic and practical factors. Both villages have shown a clear need for reliable internet services and are ideally situated with excellent line-of-sight access to Zenzeleni’s existing gateway infrastructure. This ensures efficient and cost-effective network deployment.

Additionally, the presence of three schools across the two villages highlights a significant opportunity to enhance educational connectivity. Ntshilini’s high population density and the active engagement of both communities further reinforce their suitability for this expansion. These conditions create the foundation for a sustainable network that maximizes both social impact and operational efficiency.

What impact will the community network have on these villages?

The expansion of Zenzeleni’s network to Mgcibe and Ntshilini is set to bring transformative, long-term benefits. By offering affordable and reliable internet access, residents will gain the tools to fully engage in the digital economy, access online education, and connect with broader opportunities.

This community-centered approach is designed to generate local economic opportunities by training and employing residents as hotspot hosts and voucher sellers, nurturing digital entrepreneurship and equipping the villages with valuable technical skills.

Students will have access to essential online learning resources, local businesses will be able to expand their reach, and residents will be better equipped to access critical online services like banking and healthcare information. These advancements are expected to drive social development and stimulate economic growth across both villages.

What is your vision for the future of the network?

Zenzeleni envisions a future where self-sustaining, community-managed networks are replicated in rural areas across the Eastern Cape and beyond. The financial sustainability of these networks will be supported by subscription services, voucher sales, and trained local entrepreneurs managing day-to-day operations.

By focusing on capacity building and technical training, Zenzeleni empowers communities with the skills to independently maintain and expand their networks. This not only ensures the longevity of the infrastructure, but also transforms these rural villages into active contributors to South Africa’s digital economy, rather than passive recipients of technology.