• Ahmed Ismael-Smiley
• Founder of Siyafunda Community Technology Centres
• South Africa

Social Entrepreneur and Digital Divide Transformation Enabler with over 40 years of ICT experience and community activism, Ahmed founded and opened the first Siyafunda Community Technology Centre in Palm Ridge in 2006. There are now 120 Siyafunda CTCs across the country on a mission to give all citizens access to information and communication technologies and empower them with computer competencies. The centres allows people to gather information, create, learn and communicate with others while developing essential digital skills. 

Siyafunda CTCs establish partnerships and relationships with multiple stakeholders - from local governments and municipalities all the way to private businesses, community based organisations, schools and universities. The focus is on the use of digital technologies to support community, economic, educational and social development – reducing isolation, bridging the digital divide, promoting health issues, creating economic opportunities and reaching out to youth. 

In 2011, the community hub project developed into a network of Community Knowledge Centres (CKC) providing essential skills training through affordable, accredited courses. Siyafunda CTC has been honoured with numerous awards for pioneering accessibility to digital information and communication technology. It plays an important role in building intellectual capital, developing entrepreneurs in growing economies and connecting communities globally.

• http://www.siyafundactc.org.za/
• https://twitter.com/smileysiyafunda