Computing for Communities is a project in the School of Computing that has four projects:
1. Computer Literacy in Communities (CLiC)
The turn of the century has seen a rapidly graying population concurrently with increasingly ubiquitous digital devices. The elderly population being less familiar with computer technology implies that they may be excluded from the enormous potential that such devices have to benefit their lives. Without access, older citizens are rapidly becoming disenfranchised. Perceived barriers to e-literacy include lack of interest, feeling too old, fear of new technology, lack of access to IT, lack of IT skills and experience, cost, concerns about security, and problems associated with disability.It is essential therefore, that, as the population ages and society becomes increasingly dependent on computer technology and the Internet, the over 55s must be actively encouraged supported otherwise they will miss out in a society where information and knowledge is power. CLiC is curtently on the process of developing a user-friendly website that addresses topics such as online banking, social media use, cybersecurity, gaming etc. This project is incorporated into teaching and learning through the HRCOS82.
2. Cyber Safety Awareness Community Engagement Project
Project leader: Prof Elmarie Kritzinger
The Cyber Safety Awareness Community Engagement Project is a South African initiative within the College of Science, Engineering and technology (CSET), School of Computing (SoC) at the University of South Africa (Unisa). The project aims at promoting cyber safety among learners, educators, and communities, especially in developing communities. The project addresses the growing need for cyber security education as digital technology becomes more embedded in everyday life. It offers a comprehensive Cyber Safety Awareness Toolkit featuring guides, videos, posters, and workbooks to help schools foster a culture of online safety. The project is a collaboration between UNISA, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), and the British High Commission. A key component is the Cyber Safety Awareness MOOC, a free online course hosted on the UNISA platform, specifically designed to equip teachers with essential cyber safety knowledge—registration is available at https://mooc.unisa.ac.za. The initiative empowers digital users (exspesially school learners and educators) to identify and respond to threats such as cyberbullying, scams, and privacy breaches. It also supports school leadership with governance documents to implement cyber safety policies. By encouraging responsible digital citizenship and proactive online behavior, the project contributes to a safer digital environment for South African youth. It emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that even the most vulnerable communities have access to cyber safety education. The project reflects a national commitment to building digital resilience through awareness, collaboration, and education.
3. Greenhouse Computing
Project leader: Prof Etienne Van der Poel
Food security is a potential threat in SA, more so to low-income earners. People living in informal housing are more exposed in this sense, since they rely on retail infrastructure to obtain food. Many people in this situation grow what they can on the little land they can access. Here is a potential application for high-intensity food cultivation such as hydroponics and greenhouses but cost and space are huge hurdles. The availability of smartphones, low-cost sensors and IoT technology opens the possibility to put down very small footprint greenhouses, using relatively cheap technology, combined with machine learning to provide an automated tutor to teach the user to grow high-yield crops at little cost. This can then either be consumed by the grower or used to supplement their income, especially if the crops are difficult or expensive to obtain normally. This project is incorporated into teaching and learning through the HRCOS82.
4. Socially Relevan Computing
Project leader: Dr Siphe Mhlana
The main purpose of this project is to develop information technology entrepreneurs who will address social problems that are existing in different communities. Through industry partnership, current and graduate students are initiated to recent technologies through hackathons. through hackathons current and past Unisa students as well as any other young person interested in mobile development get an opportunity to work on their projects under the mentorship of industry expects. This facilitates the process of knowledge sharing among participants. The project also looks at opportunities for providing training to interested youth where they do or do not have any background on mobile development.