unconnected.org participates in the Launch of South Africa’s National Strategy for Community Networks

At the end of July 2025, Gabriella Powell, representing unconnected.org, joined a diverse coalition of stakeholders in Cape Town for the National Strategy for Community-Centred Connectivity Initiatives (CCCIs), a landmark moment in South Africa’s efforts to achieve inclusive, community-led connectivity.

Over two days, community networks, civil society organisations, government representatives, researchers, and technical partners came together to finalise a national framework that will guide locally driven, sustainable internet access between 2025 and 2027. A strategy grounded in real needs.

The strategy focuses on five strategic priorities:

• Policy and Regulatory Environment – enabling fair spectrum access, simplifying licensing, and overcoming infrastructure challenges.

• Funding and Partnerships – building resilient financial models through innovative funding and strong partnerships.

• Capacity Building – developing local technical skills and leadership, with a focus on inclusive participation and gender equality.

• Financial Sustainability – ensuring long-term viability through revenue models that protect and strengthen community ownership.

• Social and Economic Inclusion – leveraging connectivity to advance education, livelihoods, cultural preservation, and community well-being.

Voices from the Collaboration

The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and its Local Networks (LocNet) initiative, jointly developed with Rhizomatica, led the facilitation of the National Validation Workshop, with contributions from community networks including Zenzeleni Networks, V-NET, Amadiba Community Network, SOWUG, Mamaila Community Network and Black Equations.

unconnected.org played an active role in the validation process, contributing global insights and local experience highlighting the value of connecting rural areas, alongside examples of hybrid funding models, solar-powered infrastructure, and models that expand connectivity beyond classrooms.

“This validation workshop is truly a milestone for the community networks movement. The national strategy is a process that consolidates all of the dreams and the futures for community-centred connectivity. It is also timely as we move ahead for a more enabling telecommunication environment for rural and underserved South Africans, and specifically see policy and regulatory changes that will allow communities to thrive in our digital world.”

– Kathleen Diga, Programme Manager, Association for Progressive Communications (APC)

“Having attended the validation workshop for Community-centred Connectivity Initiatives hosted by APC, I left feeling optimistic that the grounded policy strategies advanced in the National Strategy will allow for both the development of new and the expansion of existing community networks in South Africa.”

– Rolf Blom, Ellipsis Regulatory Solutions and Zenzeleni Networks Board Member

“It is great to hear about what Community Networks are doing on the ground from them. The success stories and challenges are so authentic that the solutions needed and help asked for are guaranteed to make a difference.” – Trevor Nivi, USAASA

“We do not realise the challenges that community networks face and where they need support until one gets into these spaces and lives the experience.” – Violet Mohotloane, Computer Aid International

Why This Moment Matters

South Africa’s digital paradox advanced national infrastructure alongside deep inequalities in access means that for millions, affordable internet remains out of reach. For rural households, home internet penetration is as low as 1.6%, and mobile data costs can consume more than a third of a low-income household’s monthly income.

Community networks have shown that an alternative model is possible: one that is affordable, resilient, and driven by the communities it serves. This national strategy provides the blueprint for scaling those successes, with unconnected.org committed to supporting its real-world implementation.

Looking Ahead

With the validation complete, the focus now shifts to implementation, turning commitments into action, securing resources, and backing local champions to deliver sustainable, meaningful connectivity.

Stakeholders and community networks remain committed to ensuring this strategy leads to tangible change in communities across South Africa. We commend Zenzeleni Networks for their efforts in bringing us together and pushing the movement forward, serving as a catalyst for collaboration and progress within the community networks space.

Alongside them, we have faced and will continue to face the many challenges of this work, and we are proud to have learned from the resilience and innovation of community networks across the country.