Enter the Western Cape Government internet competition and win cash prizes

If you’re a techno-enthusiast or have an appetite for the internet, you could win up to R10 000 by entering the Department of Economic Development and Tourism internet competition.

This initiative is hosted under the Western Cape Broadband Initiative and follows the roll-out of several public WiFi zones in our province.

It’s open to all citizens in the Western Cape and is made up of two categories, which will run at the same time.

Join in on this exciting initiative by using the public WiFi zones to enter our competition.

What you need to know before entering

Complete the entry form and understand the rules of the competition before submitting ideas. The categories are:

1. “WiFi internet innovation” category: In this category, you need to come up with the best innovative idea using the internet. You will need to:

• Create a sample in the form of a picture, sketch, or a prototype.
• Your sample must include 500 – 800 words of your application or innovation’s functionality.
• This should demonstrate how your innovation can lead to social upliftment in your community.
• You should include the baseline cost to manufacture your innovation or device.

Remember that your idea needs to be original.  Nic Shackel is one of our first winners in this category. Nic invented a low-cost light monitoring device for public spaces.

The device is linked to public WiFi and sends an alert to authorities when light levels drop below a certain limit.

He aims to make public transport spaces safer using public WiFi.

2. “How the internet improved my life/business” category: If you want to enter this category you should submit an inspirational story of no more than 400 words.

• You should also include a description of your life before and after the internet, and what caused it to change.

Siyabonga Dilimeni, a former winner in this category, won over the judges with his inspirational story. 

He is using the public WiFi zones to enhance his cleaning business while studying and preparing for exams.

Before the launch, Dilimeni had limited access to the internet and would use the local library. He would save up to make photo copies and to take a tax to the library.

After the roll-out of public WiFi in his community, he was able to save up and buy a printer. He wants to launch a computer literacy programme for young people in his community.

Competition dates

The competition has been rolled out in phases. Below are the dates for future opportunities. Please note, although quarter one has already started you can still enter.

How to submit your entry

You can submit your entry via email or post:

9^th Floor
Waldorf Building
Cape Town
8000

Remember, if you enter the first category, you should include a sample in the form if a picture, sketch or prototype.

More information

The competition aims to improve internet access in communities while promoting social and economic upliftment. Learn more about the competition and view the terms and conditions to improve your chances of winning.