The World Wi-Fi Day Awards ceremony was held in Liverpool, in England, last night.

JOHANNESBURG - The City of Tshwane has been crowned the Most Innovative City or Government Program to bridge the Digital Divide.

The World Wi-Fi Day Awards ceremony was held in Liverpool, in England, last night.

The awards celebrate the success stories across the world that are connecting the unconnected and contributing to global socio-economic development.

An award in this category recognises cities, governments and organisations that develop local and national plans to bridge the digital divide. Shortlisted projects must provide evidence the successful implementation of comprehensive Wi-Fi solutions which innovatively overcome the challenges and complexities associated with these large-scale deployments.

The Tshwane Free Wi-Fi has brought 1.8 million citizens in the Capital City online in the biggest deployment of municipal Free Wi-Fi on the African continent. The roll out has been made possible through the City's collaborative partnership with Project Isizwe.

The City of Tshwane, with Project Isizwe as the implementing partner, was shortlisted in this category alongside Intersection and Liquid Telecom; two internationally recognised providers in the deployment of Wi-Fi.

Tshwane Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa said, "Our free Wi-Fi project has radically undermined the adverse effects of unaffordable internet access by narrowing the hitherto glaring digital divide."

Ramokgopa added that, "We will continue to be a shining example of what it means to employ the use of technology to lead the way towards a South Africa that is democratic, inclusive, united and prosperous - ours will be the global Cyber Capital."

Project Isizwe CEO, Zahir Khan said, "An award in this category, showcases the need for relationship building and partnership with local government in the provision of Free Wi-Fi for South African citizens. Just like electricity and water, internet is a human right which we are working closely with municipalities to enable."