Henk Kleynhans is a Computer Scientist and Internet Junkie turned Social Entrepreneur and Broadband White Knight.He realised that if he could incentivize thousands of small entrepreneurs to set up WiFi internet hotspots, it would soon lead to a dramatic increase in broadband penetration in South Africa. He thus founded Skyrove, which enables anyone to earn an income by sharing their internet access with their neighbours.
Henk is currently standing on WAPA's committee as Chairperson. He is focusing his efforts on improving the online reputation of WISPs that are associated with WAPA, by helping to establish & enforce standards of quality and service with the cooperation of WAPA members, as well as ensuring that consumers and potential partners, e.g.the ISPA, mobile network operators and large ISPs understand the difference between a WAPA Service Provider and a "backyard" WISP that does not adhere to the same standards of quality and service.
Henk, as spokesperson for WAPA, is currently lobbying the DoC and ICASA to free up TV white-space frequency, in an effort to better utilise underused spectrum, in this way assisting them in their mandate to make the broadband market more competitive and services more affordable and accessible to consumers around the country and simultaneously promoting innovation and economic development.
Using Wi-Fi technology, Wireless Access Providers’ Association members have already helped countless consumers, businesses, schools and hospitals to connect to the Internet.
Besides for WAPA, Henk also serves on the Executive Committee of the Silicon Cape Initiative, is a Cape IT Initiative "IT Hero" and has been named by the Mail & Guardian as one of "200 Young South Africans You Must Take To Lunch"
Get to know Henk better on http://www.geekrebel.com/ or follow geekrebel on Twitter.
