Google South Africa yesterday held its first ‘Google for South Africa’ event in Johannesburg, where it announced a number of initiatives and products tailored to the South African market.
Google announced the launch of Google Station for the Cape Flats in the Western Cape. Google Station is a program to provide fast, free and open Wi-Fi to the area in partnership with ThinkWifi, an internet service provider.
“By gaining access to information via the internet, we hope that people in these communities will get a more equal opportunity to learn and develop and live more empowered lives,” says Nitin Gajria, Google Africa director.
Google Station is now available in over 100 locations across Langa, Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Delft, Elsies River, Philippi and more. These areas are some of the most underserved communities in the country, with high unemployment and crime rates.
“Think WiFi are passionate about providing fast, free, reliable, uncapped WiFi in underserved communities- giving people access to more on-line resources and more opportunities,” says Janine Rebelo, Think WiFi CEO. “Through our partnership, Think WiFi and Google will provide unlimited Wi-Fi access to communities in townships, public areas, universities, transportation hubs and shopping malls, laying the foundations for broad-based, inclusive participation in the benefits industry 4.0 brings,”
“Every day, people in South Africa and around the world turn to Google for help,” says Garja. “We hope that the products and updates we’re announcing today will make Google even more helpful for getting things done. We remain committed to bringing the transformational power of technology to people everywhere.”
