Sometimes it takes an organisation with little interest in profiteering to come up with solutions that really work for the communities at the bottom of the social spectrum UNFULFILLED BY the rat race? Then get off the treadmill and find a way to give back to communities less fortunate than you. That is exactly what Dion Jerling has done, bringing a relatively simple, but highly effective, solution to South Africa`s rural communities.

Hundreds of kilometres away from city centres, these villages have little or no access to electricity, fall outside cellular network coverage and travel long distances for the most basic of services. But this need not be the case if Jerling`s Connect Africa initiative takes off.

Registered in the United Kingdom as a non-profit distribution organisation, Connect Africa has high ambitions of providing communication and public service networks for deep rural communities across the African continent. But its plan may actually work.

ON THE ROAD

The initiative is based on mobile multi-purpose communication centres which visit selected communities on a fixed weekly schedule, providing low-cost communications, technology access, awareness programmes and private and public services.

Director and visionary behind the initiative, Jerling explains the importance of predictability: "The most important people in all of this are the people in the rural areas, but they have been let down so many times that their first response to our services is `please don`t make false promises`. Predictability is a critical element of overcoming this doubt and enabling reliable delivery of services where they are most needed."

And the services are undoubtedly needed. Many of these communities have no way to access services including telephony - without making long and expensive trips to more built-up areas. And because these communities are largely unaware of the requirements for opening bank accounts, applying for IDs and accessing social grants, these trips commonly need to be made several times before the transaction is completed.

However, Connect Africa hopes to address these issues at significantly lower costs and with greater efficiency.

THE GREAT ENABLER

Using technology as an enabler, the units are able to offer services that encompass a wide spectrum of community needs. From telephone calls at just 90 cents a minute, to ID photography, to the servicing of community and schools computers, the units are able to add services as they are required with little additional infrastructure costs.

More importantly, the units provide employment and a source of income for those who operate them.

"We have found that equipment and services which are given for free lack ownership, resulting in the sense of value being lost, and the offerings abused or just neglected. However, if people are encouraged to become owners in the business, they are not only able to earn an income but gain valuable work experience," notes Jerling.

IN PRACTICE

The Connect Africa proof of concept is currently under way in the Mogalakwena Municipal region, in Limpopo Province. Carried out in partnership with the Mogalakwena Municipality the unit is providing services from several South African government departments, including Home Affairs, Social Development, Labour Office, Economic Development, and Eskom.

Currently 10 rural communities are being serviced by the unit. However, this is expected to expand to 30 in the second phase as two more units are added. Additionally, Connect Africa is providing maintenance and Internet connectivity to three Shuttleworth Foundation tuXlabs within the community.

"This research phase will provide us with data to accurately calculate the operating costs, profitability and franchising potential of the mobile units. Through this, we can ensure that franchisees are empowered to be commercially focused and positioned to make a reasonable income," says Jerling.

Moreover, Jerling is quite straightforward in his aim for the organisation to work hard for profits, as these will support the roll-out to additional municipalities and, eventually, countries.

"We are absolutely working towards profit. however, we are shareholder-free so there is no one to benefit from these funds. Instead, everything that comes in is reinvested either for franchise training and support, or for broadening of geographical coverage."