Enjoy free online access and basic computer training at Mbekweni eCentre

Mbekweni, meaning “a place of respect” in isiXhosa, is a township about 60km north of Cape Town. It is located in the Drakenstein municipality between Wellington and Paarl and has a population of roughly 30 875. Mbekweni was proclaimed as a new township in 1950, where 30 family houses were built by the Council as well as single quarters to accommodate 2 500 migrant men.

The Mbekweni WCG eCentre operates in the Thusong Centre where the Department of Social Development is also present. The eCentre is renowned for being  easily accessible to the community. Citizens can access a waiting area with tables and benches under a roof where they can wait to visit social workers or use the eCentre's services.

The eCentre has 11 stations where citizens can access the internet in 45-minute sessions. Training is also provided at the same venue when necessary. The training is usually scheduled in the mornings to accommodate school learners who use the eCentre in the afternoons. The eCentre works closely with Community Development Workers (CDW) and serves about 1 000 users monthly.

The eCentre has many success stories. They have managed to facilitate computer training for employees from CapeNature. They provided ICT Skills training to four Ward Councillors from Drakenstein Municipality. They’re continuously improving digital literacy in the community, and many young unemployed people have successfully found jobs using the eCentre facilities.

Services:

• Western Cape Education Department Online admissions
• Computer training
• Financial Aid applications (University and TVET College students)
• University and TVET College online applications for admission
• Jobs and business opportunities
• Central Supplier Database Applications
• Printing of CVs (Free printing of maximum 10 pages per day)
• Scanning of documents
• Free internet access
• The Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD Grant) applications

Training:

• Basic computer training.
• E-learner: entry-level accredited certificate.
• International Computer driver’s license (ICDL).

Contact the eCentre:
Email: Mbekweni.Ecentre@gmail.com
Tel: 021 868 0030