Reshaping the future of township economies in South Africa

In a groundbreaking interview on CNBC Africa, the focus was on reshaping the future of township economies in South Africa through innovative initiatives in connectivity and energy. The discussion featured Nonjabulo Sokhela, CEO of Nepoworx, and Vuyani Jarana, CEO of Ilitha Telecommunications. These two visionary leaders are at the forefront of driving change in South Africa by providing access to energy and affordable telecommunications to millions of South Africans living in townships. The conversation highlighted the crucial role that digitization plays in boosting the economy and bridging the gap between urban and rural communities, rich and poor. Both Nepoworx and Ilitha Telecommunications have embarked on ambitious projects to empower small businesses and create job opportunities in townships. Ilitha Communications has partnered with the United Nations International Telecommunication Union to bring high-speed fiber connectivity to two million South Africans, aiming to bridge the digital divide. On the other hand, Nepoworx has teamed up with the Industrial Development Corporation for the Township Energy Fund, an initiative designed to drive economic development through energy access. The interview delved into the challenges and opportunities faced by these companies in their mission to uplift township economies. The key theme that emerged from the conversation was the importance of public-private partnerships and investment in infrastructure to drive growth and development in underserved communities. The dialogue between Sokhela and Jarana shed light on the critical need for access to energy and telecommunications in townships to enable businesses to thrive and individuals to access essential services. Both CEOs emphasized the critical role that telecommunications plays in providing opportunities for economic growth, education, and healthcare. Jarana emphasized the need for broadband as a foundational technology to support digital education and healthcare services in townships. He highlighted the impact of telecommunications in enabling remote learning and job opportunities for young people in underserved communities. Sokhela shared insights into the challenges faced by small businesses during load shedding and the importance of energy access to sustain operations and create job opportunities. He underscored the significance of public-private partnerships in driving economic development and job creation in townships. The interview concluded with a discussion on the future outlook for Nepoworx and Ilitha Telecommunications, with both CEOs expressing optimism about the potential for growth and impact in the coming years. Jarana highlighted the opportunities for small ISPs to leverage Ilitha's infrastructure and create job opportunities in village clusters. He emphasized the role of telecommunications in empowering entrepreneurship and job creation in underserved communities. Sokhela reiterated the importance of partnerships in driving growth and economic development, particularly in addressing youth unemployment and poverty levels in townships. Both CEOs expressed confidence in the transformative power of connectivity and energy initiatives in reshaping the future of township economies in South Africa.