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In the haematology ward at Groote Schuur Hospital, time has a way of stretching. Days are quieter here, and visits are limited. For many patients undergoing long-term treatment, the outside world can begin to feel just out of reach—reduced to memories of voices, routines, and everyday moments.
A message from home. A child’s laughter over a video call. A lesson not missed. Small things, perhaps—but over time, they come to mean everything.
It is within this space that the Groote Schuur Hospital Trust has introduced a free Wi-Fi connectivity project—bringing those moments back within reach, and in doing so, quietly redefining what patient care can look like.
Developed through a targeted fundraising effort, the project reflects a growing understanding that care extends beyond clinical treatment. In today’s world, the ability to remain connected—to people, to information, and to life beyond the ward—is no longer a luxury, but an essential part of wellbeing.
Robyn, a patient who spent four weeks in isolation rebuilding her immune system after a stem cell transplant, says:
“No visitors. No hugs. No emotional support. I took out a 2-year Wi-Fi contract just to stay sane. That connection saved me. Many people cannot afford data and Wi-Fi, and having that connection is extremely important. It makes a world of difference. Please, bless the next person.”
Kristy Evans, Executive Director, Groote Schuur Hospital Trust, explains:
“For patients spending long periods in isolation, connection to loved ones is a vital part of dignity, comfort, and healing. This generous donation of free Wi-Fi helps bridge the distance between patients and their families during some of their most difficult moments. We are deeply grateful to our donors, and to the hospital for being open to innovative public-private partnerships that make this kind of patient-centred care possible. We welcome more collaborations like this in the future.”
To make this possible, GSHT partnered with WIOCC Group, which enabled its chosen delivery partner, TooMuchWifi, to provide the service—designing, deploying, and managing the network that brings the ward online. The haematology isolation ward can accommodate a maximum of six patients at a time, and they are always at capacity. The average length of stay for a patient is four weeks.
Over the three-year period, this project is expected to benefit over 200 patients, supporting them throughout their treatment journey—not only medically, but emotionally and socially.
From their roots in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay, in 2016, TooMuchWifi was established to address the affordability gap in internet access across underserved communities, where high data costs continue to limit meaningful connectivity.
Currently, they operate a growing network across the Western Cape and Gauteng, with ongoing expansion into broader South African and African markets—driving inclusive digital participation at scale.
Loyiso Ngqwemla, Director, Stakeholder Relations, TooMuchWifi, says:
“At TooMuchWifi, we believe that connectivity is more than just access to the internet—it is a lifeline to people, to support systems, and to hope. Our DNA has always been rooted in collaborating for impact while competing in business, using our technology to meaningfully improve lives. This partnership is a powerful example of what is possible when that purpose is put into action. By bringing connectivity into spaces like the haematology ward, we are not only enabling communication, but restoring moments of comfort, dignity, and human connection when they are needed most.”
As a leading pan-African digital infrastructure provider, WIOCC Group’s role as the technology enabler highlights how large-scale networks can be directed toward meaningful social impact. In supporting this initiative, WIOCC Group also hopes to encourage other infrastructure leaders to contribute where possible, particularly in spaces where connectivity can make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Ryan Sher, Group Chief Operating Officer, WIOCC Group, says:
“The Groote Schuur Hospital Trust has shown remarkable leadership in recognising that patient wellbeing extends beyond clinical care. Their commitment to restoring connection for patients undergoing long periods of isolation is both compassionate and forward-thinking, and we are honoured to support this initiative. As the technology enabler, our role at WIOCC Group is to ensure that world-class digital infrastructure can be directed where it matters most. By partnering with TooMuchWifi, we’ve been able to help translate that infrastructure into meaningful day-to-day impact for patients—enabling a simple but profound outcome: staying connected to loved ones when it is needed most. We hope this collaboration demonstrates what is possible when healthcare, community, and technology come together with a shared purpose, and we encourage others in our industry to join efforts that strengthen dignity and care across our communities.”
The introduction of free Wi-Fi in a clinical setting may seem like a small step. But its impact reaches far beyond the technology itself. It speaks to a future where healthcare is not only about treatment, but about preserving connection, dignity, and a sense of normal life—no matter the circumstances.
The official launch of the project will take place on 16 April 2026 at Groote Schuur Hospital, with the potential to expand into additional patient areas following evaluation. In bringing together healthcare, infrastructure, and service delivery, this initiative offers a simple but powerful idea: that even in the most controlled environments, connection should never be out of reach.
