On 11 December 2025, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, highlighted the importance of nationwide internet connectivity, stressing that reliable access is essential for participation in the digital economy.
Speaking at the Randburg Taxi Rank in Johannesburg, Malatsi praised initiatives like Sebenza, a local company providing Wi-Fi and entertainment onboard taxis. Sebenza’s network has grown from 5.3 million users in 2024 to 7 million in 2025, with 21 million recorded sessions and an average dwell time of 10–15 minutes per user.
The government is supporting Sebenza’s strategic expansion in partnership with the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), aiming to deploy free Wi-Fi across 50,000 taxis within the next 24 months. Malatsi emphasised that such initiatives help bridge the digital divide, promote digital inclusion, and empower South Africans to participate in local, regional, and global economic opportunities, reflecting the broader developmental objectives of the country.