Meet the tech entrepreneur bridging the digital divide across South Africa’s townships

Khayelitsha owes its digital advancement to a man that residents once assumed was a thief. In the early 2000s, South Africa's education system was gradually digitised. But in townships, educators without computers were left behind. So Luvuyo Rani quit his job as an accounting teacher to refurbish old PCs. Going door-to-door selling them from the boot of his car, he was met with suspicion. “It was difficult because people were not trusting me, thinking I steal computers,” Rani explains. Despite not making a sale for months, the pioneering social entrepreneur continued on his quest. In his efforts to connect his community, Rani opened one of Khayelitsha’s first internet cafes. 

Today, he’s the founder and CEO of Silulo Ulutho Technologies which comprises 46 public internet and education centres. While technology has vastly changed, with smarter devices and faster internet connections, South Africa’s digital landscape remains divided. “​​The lack of connectivity in the township and rural areas is still real,” Rani says. In the country, it’s estimated that only 10% of households have WiFi, a figure which undermines people’s abilities. “We are brilliant at coming up with solutions. It’s in our DNA as Africans,” Rani says. “What’s missing is the access.” 

Initiatives such as Silulo are crucial to empowering people. In addition to providing computer and internet access, each centre also includes training programmes to upskill the youth. From computer literacy to coding, courses are constantly adapted based on suggestions from staff and students to keep up with digital advancements. “I see so much unemployment, poverty, but I also see abundance of opportunity,” Rani says.

To bridge the gap between potential and achievement, Rani oversees Silulo hubs across the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, where over 60 000 students have completed training so far. This has enabled them to gain new skills, apply for jobs, and conduct interviews over video call, while some entrepreneurs even run their businesses from the centres. “It doesn't matter where you come from,” Rani says. “With the right connection, you can succeed.”