14/10/2013 Internet Container ‘CompuTalk’ The first CompuTalk container was done with Keith “Bravo” Mtirara. Keith was looking for assistance in setting up an internet café in the Township, so demonstrated the appropriate aptitude. The end product is an internet café built into a shipping container. The services include computer training, computer supplies and business services such as photocopying, faxing etc. Surprisingly, not one of these services were available in the Kwanokuthula township. Employment Bravo, from being unemployed, is now a business owner, earning a respectable income and paying off the capital investment. Bravo employs his cousin to help him. The initiative has also opened an opportunity for Mfundo Morose, a Government accredited computer trainer with no access to resources. Mfundo now runs the government training courses from the container, which helps Bravo sell more computer hours. Growing the footprint Based on the success of this project, we would like to assist selected new IT entrepreneurs to start up their own Computalk franchise. Young IT entrepreneurs, are most welcome to contact the CompuGroup for further discussion. We understand that many applicants will not have access to the capital investment required to set up the business. The CompuGroup model takes this into account and will finance approved applicants. While there is a social element to this initiative, we believe that a capitalist foundation is more likely to result in a sustainable service to the community. We would like to grow the footprint quickly, but sustainably, and welcome suggestions on how to move forward with this. Kids The demand for the service has exceeded expectations, as always in ways that were not initially envisaged. Interestingly, the local kids are busting to get a turn on the computer. Parents want to put their kids on a computer course rather than themselves. In response, we are developing a ‘learn computers’ course for kids ‘CompuKids’. The course is a three hour course (run over three weeks). The course and training is free, but Bravo charges for the computer time, which is discounted to R30.00 per hour. Our goal is to block book the container from 2:30pm – 4:30pm Monday to Thursday for scholars only. Bravo will run two 1 hour training sessions per day with ten scholars per session. Sustainability One of the (many) challenges we have faced is the erratic power supply to the township. While we have had to keep our costs down on the pilot project, there is an underlying need to move to alternative power sources to provide a reliable service. We have, where possible, focussed on using recycled materials. All of the computer equipment used is refurbished equipment obtained from a registered eWaste company. The structure is a recycled shipping container. Township tradesmen were used for carpentry, steelwork and electrical work, each taking an active interest in the success of the project. Future services There have been a number of needs that we are seeing through being ‘on the ground’ and talking to the local market. • Some of the concerns, and opportunities, include: • Access to affordable and reliable internet services (including connectivity and bandwidth); • Access to basic business banking facilities; • Access to affordable international communication; and • Access to business support systems. What is interesting is that South Africa is well behind other Sothern African countries such as Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe in providing technological solutions to these concerns, possibly because South Africa has a more advanced base infrastructure. Assuming The CompuGroup is able to achieve a reasonable footprint, it presents an interesting platform to introduce new technological services. Entrepreneurial support The CompuGroup will continue to provide Bravo with entrepreneurial and business support. Cheers, Kyle p.s. Our underlying objective is to assist customers achieve a sustainable income using the computer as a tool.
Posted on: Mon, 21 Oct 2013 19:31:51 +0000
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