by MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – SOUTH Sudan has commended complementary efforts by MTN in the drive by the world’s newest country to promote information and communications technology literacy and digital inclusion.
David Yauyau Jangkuch, Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology and Postal Services, spoke as he presided over the telecom’s operator’s launch of its annual 21 Days of Y’ello Care in Juba.
The theme this year is “Connecting at the Roots.”
In South Sudan, MTN has launched the exercise at the Mangateen Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp and the operator will also in the coming days be active in the Gorom settlement for the digital literacy campaign.
MTN is to also provide similar services to farmers, health workers and people in remote areas of the country.
In his keynote address, Jangkuch noted the government’s priority was enhancing digital literacy and inclusion.
“MTN’s initiative, by leveraging technology to bridge connectivity gaps and implementing practical, community-led projects perfectly aligns with our national objectives,” Jangkuch said.
Overall, during the three-week period, MTN has pledged to provide solar power solutions and internet connectivity, boost access to e-learning apps and youth-focused educational websites and distribute subsidised smartphones to low-income families.
It will use the internet to help IDPs and refugees trace and connect with relatives abroad.
South Sudan gained independence in 2011, the same year MTN South Sudan was established. The country plunged onto civil war two years later.
MTN is the largest operator in the landlocked East African country, with around 60 percent of the market share.
– CAJ News