1. During April 2010, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) introduced e-Mobility data cards and the virtual private network connection (VPNC) as cost effective and governable means of mobile connectivity.

2. Knowledge Management Minute 0002/2010 on the Introduction of e-Mobility Data Cards to the WCED, dated 2010-05-28, was circulated to WCED officials to explain the e-Mobility processes (See ANNEXURE A).

3. Subsequent to the introduction of e-Mobility, numerous improvements and upgrades have been added to the e-Mobility system to enhance its operation and the changes were supported by the Provincial e-Mobility Forum.

4. The VPNC facility refers to the use of an e-Mobility data card to remotely access Department-secured online business systems and sites (such as EduInfoSearch) that are not accessible to the public.

5. WCED users who wish to apply for e-Mobility data cards and VPNC access must follow the standard Departmental Information Technology Committee (DITCOM) process, and also complete the other relevant forms indicated in the above-mentioned minute.

6. e-Mobility and VPNC access is meant for officials who, for most of their work time, work outside the office and for whom access to WCED systems and e-mail is fundamental to their daily activities.

7. For the initial installation or the setting up of data cards, you are kindly requested to familiarise yourselves with the MTN e-Mobility Setup Guidelines (ANNEXURE B).

8. You will receive a monthly invoice with a fixed charge of R95 for the e-Mobility device. Please ensure the invoice reflects the correct cellphone number and make the required payment within 30 days of receipt of each invoice. The data costs will be carried by Department of the Premier, Branch: Centre for e-Innovation.

9. For further e-Mobility and VPNC technical support please make use of the e- Mobility dedicated toll-free number 0800 106 443 to log a call (See ANNEXURE C). When logging a call, the helpdesk operator will ask you to provide your MSISDN i.e. the 083 cellphone number associated with your data card (ANNEXURE D).

10. Please remember to always have your MSISDN number ready when logging all e-Mobility and VPNC calls. Should you not find your MSISDN number, please contact the departmental e-Mobility officer, Ernest Modibane, at tel. no. 021 467 9322 or e-mail address emodiban@pgwc.gov.za

11. A "cap" on e-Mobility refers to the maximum size of or limit on data usage to which an official is entitled per month. You can use only a limited amount of Internet browsing time or download space per month. Below is the WCED standard monthly cap as endorsed by the Provincial e-Mobility Forum:

  1. MEC, SG AND DDG = 1500MB (1.5 Gigabytes);
  2. Chief Directors and Directors = 1000MB (1.0 Gigabytes); and
  3. Non SMS members = 500MB (0.5 Gigabytes).
12. Please note that any unused cap does not accumulate (i.e. you are entitled to the same usage limit each month, and there is no carry-over). The e-Mobility reset is done on the first day of each month. Should you reach your usage limit at any point during the month you will not be able to connect and use your data card and you will be obliged to wait until the next reset, unless you can justify increasing your cap limit.

13. You are kindly requested to use your cap in such a way as to avoid reaching your limit before the next reset date. The following suggestions may assist you to reduce the chances of reaching maximum monthly usage limit too soon:

  • Switch off or choose "Cancel" on software updates or pop-ups (such as Windows, Adobe and MTN updates).
  • Avoid downloading large files from the Internet.
  • Disconnect the card when not in use.
  • Always use the normal network cable connection when you are working in the office.
14. An easy-to-use web tool has been created to assist you to check your cap status at any time. You can access this tool by following the instructions provided in ANNEXURE E.

15. Users who wish to have their cap increased must follow the general DITCOM application process and complete the Change Control form as well. Your application will be assessed against your job function and your written justification. The final decision will rest with DITCOM, in consultation with your history of visited web sites.

16. The following documents are attached to this minute:

  • ANNEXURE A: Knowledge Management Minute: 0002/2010 - Access guidelines
  • ANNEXURE B: MTN e-Mobility setup guidelines
  • ANNEXURE C: e-Mobility and VPNC call logging procedure
  • ANNEXURE D: WCED MSISDN library spreadsheet
  • ANNEXURE E: Capping tool guideline
17. For further information, please contact the person indicated in the letterhead above.


SIGNED: MM HARKER
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: EDUCATION PLANNING
DATE: 2011:03:17

Annexure A: Instructions on how to access Knowledge Management Minute - 0002/2010  (size: 284 KB)
Annexure B: Instructions for Setting Up an MTN eMobility Data Card  (size: 419 KB)
Annexure C: e-Mobility and VPNC call logging procedure  (size: 55 KB)
Annexure D: WCED MSISDN library  (size: 45 KB)
Annexure E: Capping Tool User Manual  (size: 74 KB)