South Africa’s Western Cape government is rolling out free internet to three of the region’s disadvantaged communities, in a bid to make the province more technology-focused.

The two month project is being launched by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism  (DEDAT) and forms part of the greater Western Cape broadband initiative.

The invitation for proposals from non-profit organisations was opened this past weekend.

Meanwhile, DEDAT is planned be responsible for the infrastructure the organisations select for the project.

The three communities and the Wi-Fi zones are expected to be selected in the pilot phase, with each zone receiving R1 million.

“The Free Wi-Fi project will assist us in developing the most effective way of delivering interest access to residents. The aim of this pilot is to pioneer a model we can replicate across the province. We are taking services to the areas that need them most. It’s these targeted interventions that make a real difference in people’s lives,” explained Alan Winde, minister of finance, economic development and tourism in the Western Cape.

The closing date for applications is 6 December 2013 and the successful organisations will be announced in January 2014 upon which the implementation will begin immediately.