South Africa hosts first community networks edition of Digital Policy School
Date: 2026-04-23
By: Robert Kwaku Annor
The
Association for Progressive Communications has announced the successful
completion of the first Community Networks edition of the South Africa School
for Digital Policy (ZASDIP 2026), marking a significant step in advancing
grassroots-led connectivity and digital policy advocacy in South Africa.
The
programme, held in Johannesburg, brought together fellows from community
networks across the country alongside experts from organisations involved in
internet governance and policy. Participants engaged in discussions covering a
wide range of topics, including infrastructure development, licensing
frameworks, digital rights, cybersecurity, market dynamics, gender inclusion in
connectivity, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
The
initiative was led by Community Networks South Africa in collaboration with
partners including Zenzeleni Community Networks, Soweto Wireless User Group,
Mamaila Community Network, and ellipsis regulatory solutions, and convened
under the LocNet initiative, jointly driven by APC and Rhizomatica.
The
programme concluded with the participation of South Africa’s Minister of
Communications, Solly Malatsi, who attended the final session, presented
certificates to participants, and engaged in discussions on policy priorities
affecting community networks.
Fellows
are expected to define advocacy priorities that will be channelled to the
Ministry through CNSA, contributing to ongoing policy development processes.
The engagement comes at a time when South Africa is reviewing its regulatory
framework, including the proposed Electronics Communications Amendment Bill,
which is expected to shape the future of connectivity and digital access in the
country.
The
programme was supported by the British High Commission Pretoria and the United
Kingdom Government’s Digital Access Programme, reinforcing international
collaboration in advancing inclusive digital development initiatives.
