The e-Government Department has radically lowered its broadband rollout targets, overlooking the rising demand for internet services. This situation has left numerous schools, clinics, and businesses in a difficult position. Furthermore, millions of Gauteng residents who struggle to pay for expensive data are adversely impacted, limiting their ability to access the internet for job prospects and educational opportunities.
Despite receiving an additional R152.8 million in the adjustment budget the department has reduced the number of WAN, LAN, VOIP, and Wi-Fi sites initially planned for expansion.
Instead of delivering more connectivity, the department has allocated 70% of its broadband budget to maintenance and support, leaving 30% for new infrastructure. This means 473 less schools, clinics, and public facilities will receive broadband access than originally promised.
Massive Reductions in Broadband Rollout Targets:
Wide Area Network (WAN) sites were reduced from 353 to 160.
Local Area Network (LAN) sites were reduced from 200 to 120.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) sites were reduced from 200 to 100.
Wi-Fi Hotspots were reduced from 250 to 150.
This department has constantly failed to meet its quarterly and annual targets in those areas in which they are reducing budget and annual targets. They are lowering the bar to be closer to its lacklustre performance.
These cuts directly affect residents who rely on public connectivity, leaving many schools, clinics, and government service centres without reliable digital infrastructure.
The department justifies these reductions by citing increased costs for broadband equipment and network expansion. This was not factored into their initial budgeting process which raises serious concerns about financial planning and execution within this department.
Furthermore, the commercialisation of the Gauteng Broadband Network (GBN) remains uncertain, and the DA has submitted written questions to the MEC for e-Government, Bonginkosi Dhlamini, to ascertain whether public access to broadband will be protected once private sector partners begin to set pricing and control network availability.
The DA Gauteng believes that broadband expansion must remain a priority to ensure government efficiency in digital service delivery, and access to reliable internet access for schools, township entrepreneurs, small businesses and clinics for telemedicine and patient records.
A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would ensure that broadband planning is transparent and data-driven to prevent miscalculations. We will implement public-private partnerships that protect public access, ensuring that commercialisation does not exclude low-income communities. In addition, hold the e-Government Department accountable for execution failures and prioritise broadband expansion over administrative inefficiencies.
The DA will continue to hold the provincial government accountable and push for broadband expansion that benefits all Gauteng residents—not just those who can afford expensive private-sector alternatives.
We remain committed to a connected, future-ready Gauteng, where broadband is not a luxury but a necessity for economic development, education, and service delivery.