Call for Proposals – Rural Community Networks for Inclusive Digital Transformation in City of Umhlathuze, KZN

The City of uMhlathuze, located on the north-east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, encompasses Richards Bay, Empangeni, and surrounding rural areas. Despite being an economic hub, rural communities within the municipality face persistent challenges of digital exclusion, limited ICT infrastructure, and high youth unemployment (estimated at 40.8%). These gaps hinder access to education, economic opportunities, and essential services.

This Call is released as part of the Viability and Validation of Innovation for Service Delivery Programme (VVISDP), a DSTI initiative to support the piloting, demonstration, and deployment of technologies and innovations to support the delivery of basic services in the City of Umhlathuze. The VVISDP programme is implemented by TIA.

The objectives of the VVISDP programme are to test and pilot technologies that can improve the delivery of basic services such as water, sanitation, waste management, connectivity, and human settlements. The Programme is designed to facilitate learning by doing and to experiment with innovative models for delivering services, and to use innovation to achieve inclusivity.

The appointed service provider for Amangwe Community Centred Wireless Network , will support the uMhlathuze City’s Youth Economic Empowerment Programme (YEEP) and the STEEM initiative (Science, Technology, Engineering, English, Mathematics) in partnership with TIA, the DSTI. The roll out of the innovative, community-centred connectivity / network will bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive socio-economic development, targeting specifically the Amangwe High School and 10 schools, and the communities falling with the 10 km radius of Amangwe High School in Empangeni.

This call aligns with South Africa’s digital inclusion agenda, and the DSTI’s District Development Model initiatives to support innovation in Municipalities as well as the Decadal Plan. The initiative also supports the realization of Sustaianble Development Goal (SDGs) 4, 8, 9, and 11) by promoting inclusive connectivity and local empowerment.

WHO IS ELIGIBILE TO APPLY?

  • South African SMMEs, start-ups, non-profits, and community-based organisations, including Non-profit organisations
  • Solutions must be commercially ready or at advanced pilot stage (not basic prototypes).
  • Preference for technologies developed for African conditions and adaptable to rural environments.
  • Partnership with local and international bodies where, the proposal demonstrates already similar objectives or co-funding;
  • Ability to operate in KwaZulu Natal or have presence in the province.

Closing Date: 28 May 2026 (Close of Business)