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The Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services Dr Siyabonga Cwele celebrated the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day today in Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape by hosting an Imbizo.

He also launched internet connectivity at the Qunu Thusong Centre. Minister Cwele was accompanied by dignitaries that included Inkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, the leaders of the OR Tambo District Municipality and the leaders of the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. The event was attended by learners from six high schools and the King Sabata Dalinyebo Technical Vocation Education and Training College.

We are working with members of the industry and communities to ensure that we bring development in rural areas. We need to ensure that we do not leave poor people behind in this revolution that is driven by information, knowledge and innovation. The internet drives development today. We are also here to keep alive the legacy of TatuMandela who urged the world to bridge the digital divide. President Jacob Zuma has this year commanded us to start rolling out the rollout of broadband in rural areas, said Minister Cwele.

Each year, on the 17th of May the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of this organisation. This year, 2015, marks the 150th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union.

The purpose of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide.

The event had an exhibition where companies in the sector talked to the youth about the scholarships they offer and advised the youth on career options in the ICT sector.
Inkosi Mandela said that he was very happy that government was bringing services to the area, especially communications services.

It is admirable that we are going to benefit immediately from this intervention. We’ll be able to communicate easier as a community with each other and with all spheres of our government and the rest of the world. This suggest that our government is determined to improve the future of our youth, said Inkosi Mandela.

All the speakers at the Imbizo called on the community to work together to protect the computers that have been donated at the Thusong Centre to ensure that the youth continues to benefit from these modern tools of development well into the future.

Issued by Government Communications (GCIS) on behalf of the Ministry of Telecommunications and Postal Services