Broadband in South Africa in becoming Politician Playground of Empty Promises

Something which is most in demand by the public in South Africa is always a easy target by politician. It is a pity that broadband been in the month of government for a long time since.

New Empty Promises

Western Cape Premier, Helen Zille In her state of the province address didn't want to be left be hide to play political scores she  announced plans to connect every citizen in the Cape Town metropolitan area at network speeds in excess of 100Mbps, by 2020.

By 2014, Zille said the aim is to have connected every school and 70% of government facilities in the province to the broadband network, and also ensure that there is at least one public ICT access facility in every ward.

Partial Empty Promises

In 2008 Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa announced that affordable broadband access remains a priority for the Gauteng region, may be we got it wrong he meant last priority. But the new Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane recently said that the province’s G-link project aims at achieving 95% broadband coverage in the province to narrow the digital divide, roll out e-government services and grow the economy.

Real Empty Promises

In 2006 former communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri said that they will provide Sentech with the money it needs to build a national wireless broadband network. These Empty Promises continued by former communications minister Siphiwe Nyanda promised that broadband will be universally available by 2019. Roy Padayachie made most exaggerated empty promises that will offer 100% broadband penetration in South Africa by 2020 then Padayachie has also left the Department of Communications. Now the current minister of Communications Dina Pule is not afraid to reaffirmed  The Department of Communications’ (DoC’s) commitment to deliver 100% broadband penetration in South Africa by 2020.