Get connected at the Brandwag WCG eCentre

Established in the 1900s, Brandwag is a rural town in the Mossel Bay district. It derives its name from the war between the British and the Boers. The “Brandwag” was the person who kept watch when the British soldiers were approaching, and he would sound the alarm.

With a population of about 5 000, Brandwag is a close-knit community where most amenities, such as schools, shops, clinics, churches, libraries and the eCentre are accessible. Brandwag is mostly a farm-worker village strongly reliant on farm and factory employment. Most citizens in the community are farm workers. Others work for carpentry businesses and companies that supply building material in the Mossel Bay area, but like many small rural communities, most citizens are affected by unemployment and poverty.

Youth unemployment, a youth centre, and Wi-Fi connection for learners to continue their school assignments after hours are some  challenges facing this community.

The Brandwag WCG eCentre, located at 170 Abraham Street, Valley View, Brandwag, was launched in 2021. The eCentre has 14 stations and serves between 200 and 400 users monthly. It provides relief because all the services are free, and they also help with searching for vacancies, typing CVs or any other documents, scanning, making copies and applying for social grants. Students use the eCentre to do their school projects with the assistance of the staff.

According to the eCentre administrator, Dominique Jantjies, “The e-Centre has made a difference in the lives of the community because many have gained computer skills, and students also have access to everything they might need for school.” Access to ICT at the eCentre has helped users like Wesley find permanent employment, and Ashley, studying to be a teacher via the UNISA online course, could complete his assignments.

The Brandwag WCG eCentre is a beacon of hope that strives to help those in the communities. The e-Centre is part of the WCG eCentre Programme, an initiative providing free internet access for rural and underprivileged communities.

Citizens who wish to upskill themselves can visit the Brandwag WCG eCentre to participate in the following computer courses for free:

• Basic Training
• E-Learner
• ICDL course

Services offered by the Brandwag WCG eCentre:

• Internet access (45 minutes a session).
• E-mail facilities.
• Help setting up e-mail accounts.
• Online job searches and applications.
• Scanning and Printing documents.
• Free printing (maximum 10 pages a day).
• Typing of CVS.
• Creating SARS tax numbers.

Contact us:

Email: brandwag.ecentre@gmail.com

Address:

170 Abraham Street Valley View Brandwag 6507

Operating Hours:

Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 16:00