Home Affairs pulls plug on “Betway-backed” internet deal in South Africa
Department backtracks on ad-funded Wi-Fi pilot after backlash over gambling promotion in public service spaces.
South Africa.- In a dramatic U-turn, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has scrapped a deal that would have seen betting giant Betway indirectly sponsor free Wi-Fi at its offices.
The abrupt termination follows a storm of media scrutiny, parliamentary pressure and public outcry, all sparked by a viral TikTok post from @jkrizzle revealing the link between the free Wi-Fi project and Betway, according to the Sunday World publication.
Initially launched as a pilot in 2023, the free Wi-Fi programme was spearheaded by LA Solutions and supported by partners Gresham Media, Blue Label Media and Think Wi-Fi. Users logging into the network at 25 Home Affairs offices were shown advertisements funded, in part, by Betway.
But, Betway Africa has distanced itself, stating: “Betway Africa had no contact or engagement with the Department of Home Affairs regarding this initiative.”
Project in testing phase
Home Affairs Deputy Director-General Thulani Mavuso noted that the initiative was still in a testing phase.
“The Free Wi-Fi project has successfully delivered over one terabyte of internet access…all at no cost to the Department of Home Affairs,” he said, according to the publication.
“The funding for the project cannot be drawn from any companies deemed as sin tax companies, upon which the campaign was withdrawn on the same day with immediate effect. Strong measures have been put to all partners… to not make an error like this or oversight.”
With MPs like Rise Mzansi’s Makashule Gana now demanding answers in Parliament, and the portfolio committee chair pledging to investigate, the fallout is far from over.
