I have been informed by Department:
1 (a) (I) Infrastructure database Project - CSIR currently is carrying out an assessment of existing infrastructure in underserved areas and to then to create an aggregated database to indicate the gaps. This project will assist the Project Teams to focus on areas where infrastructure exists and where there is no infrastructure for the deployment of technologies that will allow successful internet access. The information will also be aligned to the SA Connect roll out programme.
(II) Infrastructure/Connectivity - Collaboration has commenced with regards to rolling out of connectivity through the use of satellite. Pilot project has been launched in Alfred Nzo. Intelsat has committed to connect 10 sites as a pilot throughout the country especially to support the growth of SMMEs.
(III) Smart Township- Cape Digital Foundation in partnership with Google South Africa currently working on the establishment of a Smart Township as part of the Smart Cities Initiatives. Pilot Project to be rolled out soon in Khayelitsha Township, Cape Town.
(IV) Local Language Internet Content creation- The South African Central Registry have commenced a project for the translation of Wikipedia content into the additional ten Official languages besides English and to some extent Afrikaans. Currently the ZACR has done translation into Xhosa and SiSwati, learners from schools in Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga Province have already started with this project.
(b) (i) Refer to (a)
(b) (ii) (I) Infrastructure database Project - In Progress
(II) Infrastructure/Connectivity Project- Mt. Frere – Pilot - Mukula – Pilot
(III) Smart Township – In Progress
(IV) Local Language Internet Content creation – In Progress
(b) (iii) No costs
2. No
3. No