The village that built its own wi-fi network - BBC Africa

With data costs in South Africa amongst the highest on the continent, how can poor rural communities be expected to get online and join the fourth industrial revolution?

Well, the village of Mankosi has been at the forefront of an experiment to bridge the internet gap and make cheap wifi a reality. And it's a project that could have major implications for similar communities around the world.

Video journalist: Christian Parkinson

Reporter: Vauldi Carelse

[NoName-bevp]

What Africa needs to do is start creating their own things, just like how these people created internet for themselves, that was fantastic! They should teach this to other kids in this village and maybe this knowledge could spread. God bless Africa

[empresszaire]

I pray no big company tries to shut this down.

[hassnahahlansa]

Reminds me of THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND

[chernobadrammeh]

Wow at last BBC brings positive news from Africa

[obembe]

Africans are Smart they made their own internet using different devices.

[jeromelj]

This is inspiring. I love that it's by the villagers with no outside influence. Very cool.

[SuperKui]

Well done to the innovators this is admirable. All villages in Africa should follow suit.

[janenjenga]

The beauty of Africa.much love from Kenya.we have potential and ability.

[Jun-roqu]

Africa 🌍 is the future 🔮.
Believe it or leave it 💪🏾.

[Annastasiaworldoffun]

This is beautiful !!! They need laws set in place to protect them from bottom feeder corporations and a charity network dedicated to investing in the village and their WiFi system.

[annon-ski]

This is beautiful, I wish my internet was this affordable

[funny-video-YouTube-channel]

*WiFi hunger is strong.*
The Internet is one of the strongest magnets, because it can offer income improvement and entertainment at the same time.

[sirchuti]

Those round mud walled and grass thatched houses am missing them like crazy very cool during all weathers and ooh drinking water stored in a pot is a natural refrigerator

[naomenatukunda]

I salute you!!! The best any human can promote his village with. You are great man. God will bless you.

[sheilaghbill]

So proud of this community. I grew up in the Transkei and am so happy to see progress like this.

[berylackermann]

Its wonderful to see the "local black Africans", doing things for themselves. This why they can also build up their communities. Have communication, with CE phones, TV, computers, and help too with education (online if possible). Black Africans can get work together with others who have more experience and skills to show them what to do. Well done all of those who have made it possible.

[Wahsoep]

This is amazing.Protect them at all costs🙏🙏

[fatimahconteh]

Yes that's what we Africans need to do do it ourself don't wait for NONE

[boondoc]

This is awesome to see and I know recently, communities in some low income parts of Detroit have done this as well. I'm down to see this movement grow 👍🏾

[endrzlt]

We need a follow up piece next year to see what happened to this WiFi network. Hopefully it will also reflect on the impact of media exposure on the village.