Get connected at the Melkhoutfontein WCG eCentre

Melkhoutfontein, established in the 1850s as a fishermen's settlement, is a hidden gem within the Garden Route. Despite a tumultuous history during apartheid, where it was segregated from Stillbaai, Melkhoutfontein has retained its proud heritage. The town, located 7 km inland from Stilbaai, boasts beautiful architecture, including the St. Augustine church. The Dreamcatcher Foundation has played a vital role in reconnecting the community to its roots and fostering intra-cultural tourism experiences. A recent addition to the tourism offerings of the town is a series of paintings at the Melkhoutfontein e-centre, depicting the life of a member of the indigenous Hessequa tribe.

Today, Melkhoutfontein is on a path of development thanks to the involvement of the Dreamcatcher Foundation. Traveller experiences, like cook-up kammamas and kammama homestays, have been established, contributing to social upliftment. However, the community still faces challenges, with job creation, road infrastructure, educational facilities, low-cost housing, and commercial development topping the list of needs. The youth seek more job opportunities and educational resources, while social and economic development remains crucial. Most citizens do domestic work, construction, retail sales, administration and tourism.

The Melkhoutfontein eCentre, which opened in August 2020, is a beacon of hope and a communication platform in the community. It is in the CBD and provides free computer access, internet services, printing, scanning, and computer training. The eCentre has grown to be a vital resource for the town, with approximately 42 daily visitors, 200 weekly visitors, and 650 monthly visitors.

The eCentre has benefited the community by providing quality service to approximately 3,000 residents. The staff are trained professionals who ensure every individual’s needs are met. Success stories involve a student offered employment as a clerk at the Municipality after completing the basic computer training at the eCentre, demonstrating the eCentre’s positive influence on lives.

Services:

• Free Internet access
• Email access and assistance to create emails
• Online job searches and applications
• Online university applications
• Free printing of a maximum of 10 pages per day

Training:

• Basic Informal Computer Course Training
• E-learner Online Computer Course Training
• International Computer Digital Literacy (ICDL) Computer Course Training

Contact the eCentre

Email: melkhoutfontein.ecentre@gmail.com

Address:
Heide Ave,
Melkhoutfontein
Stilbaai
6674

Operating times

Monday – Thursday (08:00 – 17:00)

Friday (08:00 – 16:30)