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Johannesburg (pte049/16.06.2003/16:20) - A new strategy to bridge the digital divide has been implemented in South Africa: Three buses transformed into mobile Internet cafes have been touring the country.
Using several computers and a satellite dish to set up a mobile Internet connection, the buses have given schools in the most remote regions their first chance to go online.
Tutors touring with the buses are there to help students take their first online steps. The learning programme includes writing a resume on the computer, setting up an e-mail account and getting information on government and education issues online.
The director of the South African Department of Communication http://www.doc.gov.za , Andile Ngcaba, now intends to expand the programme. Ngcaba is quoted by various African media as saying: "The reactions from the communities are incredible."
Ngcaba, who is also the founder of the Centre for the Development of Information Technology, has not said just how much the programme was costing. His goal is to equip each region of the country with at least one Internet bus.
At the moment the use of this "public Internet vehicle" is free; a fee is to be introduced later.
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