The WCG eCentre programme is bringing opportunities for growth to the Laingsburg community
The Western Cape eCentre Programme in Laingsburg has made an impact on the lives of the community. Access to information and communication technologies (ICT) has brought with it an opportunity for personal growth and socio-economic upliftment.
The Laingsburg WCG eCentre, established in 2013, is committed to supporting the community, as evidenced by its efforts to advertise job opportunities, assist with job applications, and provide access to various government services.
With an average of 35 visitors daily, depending on the time of the month, an average of 130 visits weekly and 380 monthly, the eCentre team is dedicated to assisting and uplifting the community.
From Enel Green Power facilitating an online course at the eCentre where they assisted small business owners in completing a course to register businesses online and assistance with corporate branding, to helping learners when they use the eCentre to do research for school projects, the eCentre team goes above and beyond. They even offer after-hours training to accommodate working individuals who wish to participate in the courses on offer.
The eCentre offers free access to computers, the internet, job resources, and computer literacy training, serving as a crucial resource hub for the community. By bridging the digital divide and promoting skill development, the eCentre plays an essential role in the town.
Services at the eCentre include:
- E-mail facilities
- Free printing (maximum 10 pages per day)
- Research information for school projects
- Internet access (45 minutes per session)
- Creating of email accounts
- Online applications (employment application and University application)
- SARS Services: efiling, tax number
- Department of Labour Services: Unemployment Insurance Fund applications
- Assisting with typing of CVs, cover letters and business plans
- Scanning of documents
Training:
- Basic Computer Literacy training and Informal Computer training
- e-Learner: entry-level accredited certificate
- International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL): seven–month accredited course
Contact the eCentre
Email: laingsburg.ecentre@gmail.com
Adress:
C/o Main Road and 3rd Avenue,
Göldnerville, Laingsburg, 6900
Operating hours:
Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 16:00
More about Laingsburg
Laingsburg, with a population of around 11 000, is the smallest municipality in the Central Karoo district. The town's origins can be traced back to 1727 when Dutch, German, and Huguenot pioneers began settling in the area. The town underwent several name changes before being known as Laingsburg.
By 1878, when the first train stop was built, it was called Buffelsrivier, it was later renamed Nassau before finally adopting the name Laingsburg. Most notably, in 1981 a natural disaster took the lives of 104 residents, with 72 bodies never found, and 184 houses destroyed by flood waters.
In 1904, Laingsburg was officially established as a municipality and since the devastating flood the town has grown significantly with recent projects contributing to the town's economic growth, creating more job opportunities, and fostering small business development.
