At Brownie Points, we believe that access is the foundation of impact. Without it, the most valuable tools for education, health, and social services remain out of reach for the very people who need them most. That’s why the successful zero-rating of 25 Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) websites on the Rain network is not just a regulatory milestone, it’s proof of what’s possible when technology meets doing good!
Every South African on the Rain network can now browse these PBO websites – data-free. For learners searching for study resources, families needing healthcare information, or communities seeking social support, access is immediate and without financial barriers. The effects are measurable: During previous zero-rating initiatives, PBOs experienced traffic growth of 25%–50% in just one month, enabling them to reach and serve more people than ever before.
As a tech-for-good company, Brownie Points exists to connect PBOs and businesses, making it simple to track, empower, and reward meaningful social and environmental change. By supporting digital inclusion, we are enabling our partners to extend their reach and deepen their impact.
The success with Rain demonstrates the power of public–private partnerships, but there is more to do. Over 15 million South Africans remain offline, and in rural communities, fewer than 2% of households have reliable internet access.
Compliance with ICASA’s regulations should not be viewed as a box-ticking exercise; it is a direct opportunity for all network providers to support socio-economic development. “The move by Rain to zero-rate the digital content of over two dozen PBOs should serve as a challenge to other major network operators to do the same and with urgency,” says Dr Busisiwe Kabane-Bailey, Innovation Director at the DG Murray Trust (DGMT) For several years, the DG Murray Trust (DGMT) has championed digital inclusion as a cornerstone of social and economic justice in South Africa. When Covid-19 lockdowns kept children out of classrooms, the urgency of equitable access to online resources became undeniable.
As Pascale du Toit, CEO of Brownie Points, explains:
“The zero-rating of PBO websites is a powerful step towards bridging South Africa’s digital divide, but we cannot stop here. Every network operator has a responsibility to comply with ICASA’s regulations and ensure that no one is excluded from accessing vital services online. At Brownie Points, we see daily how technology can empower communities, create jobs, and support sustainable development – but only if access is universal.”
At Brownie Points, we are committed to helping PBOs and corporates work together to close this gap. Partnering with us means being part of a movement that is bigger than compliance; it’s about enabling real impact at scale.
Are you ready to join the movement?
If you are a PBO, apply for zero-rating through the DGMT Social Innovation Register
If you are a business, partner with Brownie Points to unlock opportunities that go beyond compliance and transform communities.