Project founder Liberty Bwanali visits the taxi rank daily to set up the WI-Fi boxes spaced across the rank. This box is manually activated everyday to ensure connectivity is stable. PHOTO: Zeta Soule
A solar-powered Wi-Fi network is benefiting commuters, traders and taxi drivers, offering cheap internet access to the Stellenbosch taxi rank in Bird Street, where high data costs limit daily connectivity. It was two years ago, in January 2024, that Lib Connect Africa first launched the “internet in a box.”
The network has become embedded in daily activity at the busy transport hub, where users connect while waiting for taxis, managing businesses, or completing academic work. Traders operating long hours at the rank have said the system has helped them stay connected without relying on costly mobile data.
The “internet in a box” is a solar-powered, self-contained Wi-Fi unit designed to bring connectivity directly to the rank. Compact and movable, the boxes provide reliable internet even during power outages, reaching traders, commuters, and taxi drivers.
“I wanted something simple and affordable that works for everyone here. The boxes are solar-powered and easy to maintain, so people can stay connected while they work or wait,” said project founder Liberty Bwanali.
The project operates through a voucher system designed to keep access affordable. Commuters and traders can purchase small quantities, such as R5 to R20 vouchers. Bwanali has employed Jomain Schoeman from Bergstedt Fruit & Vegetables to sell and manage the physical vouchers at her trading stand. Schoeman has also assisted with selling Wi-Fi vouchers on-site, helping users access the network throughout the day.
Customers are directed to her stand to purchase the vouchers, and all of the proceeds are used to maintain the boxes’ materials. The voucher allows users to connect for set periods, while larger denomination vouchers provide extended usage.
Moustapha Alexander, a trader at Ndiaye Clothing and a daily user of the Wi-Fi, said the pricing structure has made internet access possible for many working at the rank.
“Five rand is a lot of money for some people here, so the vouchers let everyone use the Wi-Fi without spending too much. It’s simple, fast, and it works while we’re at the rank all day,” he said.
Leana De Koker, from Cape Bush Doctors has also made daily use of the network, adding that it has supported students and workers who need to complete tasks online. “You can just sit here and upload your school stuff or work files, without worrying about high data costs,” she said.
Taxi marshals working at the rank said the availability of connectivity has also improved the daily environment for commuters and taxi drivers. Richard Brooks, a taxi marshal noted that access to Wi-Fi has helped people use free time constructively and has created a more organised space.
“With this Wi-Fi, people can connect while waiting. It keeps them occupied, and it makes our space more organised. If there’s a problem, Liberty is always here to fix it quickly,” he said.
Another taxi marshal, Lincoln Geldenhuys, who was tasked with assisting commuters to load vouchers and direct them to on-site purchase points, added that consistent access has made the network widely accepted among users.“It’s really helpful for everyone here. The network is consistent,” he said. “It’s easy to use, and the community respects it because Liberty maintains it on-site”.
Liberty Bwanali ensures he is always on-site to assist traders to activate the vouchers on their phones. By doing this, he wants to cultivate community development whereby traders can assist customers who purchase the vouchers. PHOTO: Zeta Soule
The system currently operates through four solar-powered Wi-Fi boxes installed across the rank to maximise coverage. According to Bwanali, an additional unit is planned to improve connectivity in areas where infrastructure, such as metal poles, can impact signal strength.
Bwanali said the initiative was designed to prioritise accessibility over profit. “This isn’t about making money. It’s about developing our people, giving them access to real, reliable internet so they can learn, work, and grow while they’re here. The community comes first,” he said.
He added that the solar-powered design ensured the network continues to operate during power outages, maintaining consistent access for users.
Lib Connect Africa is widely known for its work across Stellenbosch. Liberty Bwanali is working on a new installation to be placed in the taxi rank, enhancing connectivity ranges. PHOTO: Zeta Soule
Industry stakeholders have also expressed support for the initiative. The Wireless Access Providers Association of South Africa (WAPA) said projects like this network have demonstrated that locally-driven innovation can address gaps in affordable internet access.
“This is what we need. [Bwanali] is a classic example of innovative thinking around problem solving to get the internet to people who need it, and WAPA strongly supports him in this regard,” said Paul Colmer, the executive committee member of WAPA.