Meso and Avanti Communications deliver the high-speed Internet connectivity to the National Library of South Africa

11 December 2013

Avanti Communications Group plc ("Avanti") and Meso Group Pty ("Meso") have completed the first phase of a major project to connect libraries in South Africa. 

Following a competitive tender, Meso Group Pty won the bid to deliver services to 400 provincial libraries using Avanti's HYLAS 2 satellite service.   

The National Library of South Africa (NLSA) launched an information-management project across the three provinces of Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga. The aim is to provide increased connectivity and allow libraries to better share records and data on stock management via the internet.  This will improve operating efficiency and increase the satisfaction of their many borrowers.   

Mr Lesiba Ledwaba, CIO National Libraries of South Africa said “The project started when we were implementing the SITA/ NLSA open source Library Information Management System (LIMS). A need was identified for all libraries countrywide to communicate with each other and have access to one another’s collections. Before the roll-out of LIMS, it was noted that there were many libraries without connectivity, and therefore connectivity for LIMS became a priority.” 

“The next logical step was to extend internet connectivity services to local communities.  With so many schools, especially those in rural areas, without libraries or connectivity of their own, it became clear we could really start to make a difference in the education and life-style of these rural communities.” says Ledwaba.” 

Thibedi Mogoba, Chairman of Meso Group, said: “We chose Avanti because its services offer unparalleled quality at prices which radically change the economics of high-speed internet access in South Africa.  Now this access is supporting social transformation and is helping deliver national objectives around knowledge and information-sharing.”

David Williams, Chief Executive of Avanti commented: “I am delighted to work with Meso, who are one of the best examples of the pioneering young companies changing the face of African business with new technology.  The education sector offers great opportunity across the country and we are pleased to see early success.”