SMART TOWNSHIPS
the dual benefit of enabling Philippi Village management to understand usage patterns as well as providing incentives to encourage community members to participate in the activities .
Philippi Village has also established CoderDojo , an international network of coding clubs aimed at the youth , including helping the local community develop coding skills . The hub is home to technology tenants currently , including Women in Tech South Africa , a global organisation that fosters inclusion , diversity , and equity in STEAM with a particular focus on young girls and women , and Silulo Ultho Technologies which offers basic computer skills training . Philippi Village also supports programmes that help embrace informal traders including connecting them with cashless payment options as well as providing them with technology demonstrations and training . In addition , it provides the local community with access to computers when required .
Bryan Banfield , MD of Artibeus , the IT service provider to Philippi Village says there is a growing demand for access to the internet in townships and informal settlements from both residents and small businesses . Although the high cost of data is an obstacle , he maintains this could be overcome if larger retailers saw the provision of WiFi services to informal communities as a potential opportunity . The latest tenant Close The Gap is an international social enterprise that aims to bridge the digital divide by