New Pilot Program – In a groundbreaking step to bridge the digital divide and empower millions of South Africans, the government, in collaboration with major telecom partners, has launched a new pilot program set to roll out from July 2025. This initiative offers 12 months of free Wi-Fi access to all verified SASSA beneficiaries, aiming to improve access to education, online services, and job opportunities. The initiative was announced by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) as part of its Digital Inclusion Plan. It will initially cover selected urban and rural areas across five provinces, with a national rollout planned based on pilot success. With connectivity becoming as vital as electricity and water, the move is being hailed as one of the most inclusive digital empowerment policies in recent years. Millions of SASSA recipients face barriers when trying to access digital platforms for grant status checks, online learning, or job searches. By providing free internet, the government hopes to lift these constraints and integrate vulnerable communities into the mainstream economy. The pilot project will also serve as a model to study usage behavior and infrastructure gaps. Below are the full details of how the program will work, who qualifies, and how beneficiaries can get connected.
Provinces and Areas Covered in the First Phase of New Pilot Program
The first rollout will target provinces and localities with the highest concentration of SASSA grant recipients and limited internet penetration.
- Coverage will expand as the project progresses and data is evaluated.
Areas Confirmed for Pilot Rollout
| Province | Major Cities/Areas Included | Planned Hotspots | Estimated Reach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Soweto, Alexandra, Tembisa | 480 | 2.5 million |
| Western Cape | Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain | 390 | 1.8 million |
| Eastern Cape | Mthatha, Mdantsane | 350 | 1.2 million |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Umlazi, KwaMashu | 420 | 2.3 million |
| Limpopo | Polokwane, Thohoyandou | 300 | 1.1 million |
Who Qualifies for the New Pilot Program?
Eligibility is tied directly to SASSA’s verified beneficiary database, and no separate application is required for the pilot phase.
- Only active SASSA beneficiaries are eligible
- Grant types covered include Old Age, Child Support, Disability, and SRD R350
- Beneficiaries must have a valid South African ID and mobile number
- You must reside in one of the listed areas in the pilot rollout
SASSA Grant Types That Are Covered
| Grant Type | Included in Program | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | Yes | None |
| Child Support Grant | Yes | Child must be registered |
| Disability Grant | Yes | Medical certificate still required |
| SRD R350 Grant | Yes | Active payment status |
| Foster Child Grant | No | Phase 2 only |
| Care Dependency Grant | No | Phase 2 only |
New Pilot Program – How to Access Free Wi-Fi Services
Once the rollout begins in your area, users will be able to connect via any device with Wi-Fi capability. No SIM card or data purchase is required.
- Look for hotspots marked “SASSA Free Zone”
- Accept terms on the login page
- Enter your SASSA ID number and mobile for OTP verification
- Once verified, you’ll receive unlimited access for 12 months
Where to Find the Hotspot Locations
| City/Area | Hotspot Example Locations | Time Available |
|---|---|---|
| Soweto | Bara Mall, Maponya Mall | 24/7 |
| Khayelitsha | Taxi Ranks, Community Halls | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Umlazi | Schools, Clinics, Shopping Centres | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Mthatha | Municipal Buildings, Public Parks | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Polokwane | Taxi Ranks, Government Offices | 24/7 |
What Services Can Be Accessed for Free?
The program allows unrestricted browsing, but with an emphasis on educational, government, and employment portals.
- SASSA status checks and updates
- e-Learning platforms and study resources
- Job search websites (e.g., SAYouth.mobi)
- Government portals and applications
- WhatsApp, Gmail, and basic browsing
Sites with Priority Access
- gov.za – Government updates, forms, announcements
- SASSA.gov.za – Grant info and payment updates
- Coursera.org and KhanAcademy.org – Free education
- SAYouth.mobi – Job and skills opportunities
- Google Search and Wikipedia – Research support
Security Measures and Usage Limits
While access is free, the system will use basic limitations and safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure fair usage.
Daily Usage Controls in Place
| Category | Limit/Rule |
|---|---|
| Data Cap per User | 2 GB/day (soft cap) |
| Simultaneous Devices | Max 2 devices per login |
| Inappropriate Content | Auto-blocked via firewall |
| Verification Refresh | Every 30 days |
| User Support | Toll-free helpline + WhatsApp chat |
Future Rollout Plans After Pilot Phase
The July 2025 pilot is set to run for 6 months before national expansion, depending on feedback and infrastructure readiness.
Expected Additions in Phase 2 (January 2026)
- Inclusion of foster care and care dependency grants
- Expansion to Free State, North West, Mpumalanga
- Collaboration with more local ISPs
- Smartphone distribution for households without devices
- Community training on cyber safety and digital literacy
This pilot initiative marks a major step in digital empowerment for low-income citizens. By giving internet access to millions of SASSA beneficiaries, the government is not just providing a service—it’s offering opportunity, access, and equity in a digital world. Beneficiaries are encouraged to take full advantage of this offer and stay informed through official SASSA and government portals.
FAQs of New Pilot Program
Q1. Is this free Wi-Fi available in rural areas?
Yes, the program prioritizes underserved rural and township areas during the pilot.
Q2. Can I use YouTube or Netflix on this network?
Streaming platforms are de-prioritized. Basic browsing and learning content will work best.
Q3. What if I’m not receiving SASSA but live in a pilot area?
You’ll be prompted with an error during login. Only verified SASSA IDs can access the service.
Q4. Do I need to register or apply separately?
No application is needed. The system will auto-match your ID and mobile number with the SASSA database.
Q5. Will the program be renewed after 12 months?
This depends on the program’s success and government budget allocations in the 2026/27 cycle.