EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda pictured with learners at the opening of a Human Capital Centre of Excellence in Chesterville. The computer lab offers free Wi-Fi and computer access to the public.

 THE Community of Chesterville celebrated the opening of a free Wi-Fi centre. The Human Capital Centre of Excellence (CoE) offers free Wi-Fi enabling technology and computer access to the public.The computer hub was opened by eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, Ward 42 Councillor Mtha Makhathini, and the Deputy Chairperson of the Corporate Human Capital and Governance Committee Councillor Ntando Khuzwayo on 18 April.

The CoE provides the public with computer access and free Wi-Fi. The computer hub is a popular resource centre for job seekers, small businesses, and learners. Mayor Kaunda, addressing the audience which comprised mostly of learners, said the CoE was only part of ervice delivery in the ward. “We have the Integrated Development Plan that talks of access to water, electricity, roads, housing, and business support to name a few. When we designed this centre, we agreed that we are becoming a Smart City and we want to bring the benefits of technology to the community of Chesterville. Technology helps with the development of people. As we are celebrating 30 years of freedom this month, I encourage the youth and all those who want to empower themselves to use this facility to educate and upskill themselves,” said Mayor Kaunda.

Deputy City Manager of Corporate and Human Capital Kim Makhathini and Councillor Makhathini both shared about their teenage years growing up in Chesterville. They said they grew up without opportunities such as free access to computers. They urged learners to not let their past or present situations dissuade them from creating and planning for a successful future. Councillor Khuzwayo added that through this initiative, the community can now easily access job and business opportunities at this and any of the other 25 operational centres throughout the City. “Job seekers and entrepreneurs in Chesterville will no longer have to pay expensive data fees to access the internet to apply for jobs and grow their businesses. They also will not have to travel outside of their community to access technology,” said Councillor Khuzwayo. Chesterville resident Nonhlanhla Ngcobo said the facility will inspire children to learn and apply their minds instead of associating with bad company. jessie.singh@durban.gov.za