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Rhodes>Community Engagement>Social Innovation>Digital Access

Access to basic technologies

Digital access means that everyone in Makhanda can fully participate in the digital world.

Our programme supports this by:

  • Providing reliable internet access to Community-University partners and social innovators on campus

  • Supplying devices such as laptops, tablets, cameras and smartphones to our stakeholders to make stories and innovate

  • Supporting city-wide access to digital tools through mobile computer laps and mini labs

By addressing both access and skills, we help close the digital divide and ensure that residents from all backgrounds can benefit from digital opportunities.

 

The SIH Workspace at Rhodes University

The Social Innovation Hub Workspace is a computer lab and innovation hub based on Rhodes University campus. The Workspace has 7 workstations (desktop computers) and can accommodate an addition five visitors.

The Workspace is used to facilitate the Social Innovation Hub's training programmes which occur throughout the week.

When Training is not taking place, Visitors can use the workstations to complete projects with the assistance of a lab manager and expert in media-related skills training.  Rhodes Staff and Community Partners can also book the Workspace for meetings, workshops or training.

Open Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 to 16:00

Address: 5 Prince Alfred Street, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa

Contact: Thandiwe Matyobeni at t.matyobeni@ru.ac.za or 046 603 7227

 

Digital Resource Library

Community-University partners and social innovators can lease basic ICT devices such as laptops, cameras, tablets and audio equipment for up to five days to use as part of CE-related and social innovation projects.

  • Leases are up to five-days to meet the needs of all partners
  • You have to allow three days before hearing back from us
  • An ID document and contact information is needed for all new visitors
  • A 'Request Form' must be submitted before a request will be considered

We can bring temporary computer labs to any location in Makhanda. These “pop-up” labs make it easy to run workshops or training sessions on-site. For example, each year Vulindlela sets up a mobile lab with 20 laptops to help learners complete and submit their tertiary applications.

Approval of the request depends on whether the equipment is available and based on your motivation for how the project contributes to Community Engagement and Development. 

 

Please Read the Following Before Making Use of the Social Innovation Hub Digital Access Services: SIH Information Booklet and RU Information Technology Services Acceptible Use Policy for Internet access.

Mini PC Labs

Through partnerships across Makhanda, the Social Innovation Hub has helped set up Mini Labs— independent computer labs initially supported by our team. We assist by:

  • Facilitating computer donations from Rhodes University
  • Upgrading and setting up PCs
  • Identifying potential sites in the ecosystem and building partnerships
  • Providing training and guidance for staff

These Mini Hubs were made possible with support from Rhodes University IT&S Division, GBS Bank, IT Solutions and the Makhanda Winds of Change Community Trust. For now, we only work with our 10 existing labs.

 

Last Modified: Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:19:05 SAST