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UWC OpenVPN

Open Virtual Private Network (OpenVPN) allows for secure remote access to the UWC network. Hence students and staff can access iKamva remotely without incurring data charges.

The Information and Communication Services (ICS) Department has implemented a Reverse Billing (RB) service which allows students to access all UWC information resources for the Academic Programme without incurring data costs. The service is open for use to students who normally connect using the Cell C, Telkom, Vodacom, and MTN mobile services. Students can only benefit from Reverse Billing (RB) if they use the UWC OpenVPN application on their devices (laptops and mobile).

You can download and install the VPN client software to connect to the UWC campus network.  This will allow you to access internal websites as well as external resources such as iKamva, Gmail and other websites via the UWC network https://iamuwc.uwc.ac.za/

Some FAQs regarding VPN:

Can I use Google tools such as Docs, Gmail, Google Forms etc. without having data? 

You should not use data when using the student VPN. No data charges will be incurred if students or staff use sim cards from Cell C, MTN, Telkom or Vodacom when connecting to the VPN.  This is also limited to South Africa.

Will I be able to use Google meets also without data?

Yes

How much data is required for the VPN download?

The VPN application for windows together with the 2 configuration files totals about 5 MB.  The android application which is available on the Google Playstore has a size of 57 MB.

Even though the website for the VPN is supposed to be zero-rated by the mobile network operators which means that no data charges will be incurred (without VPN as well), there are no guarantees.  The regulations under which zero-rating occurs are tied to the declaration of a COVID-19 national state of disaster published in Government Notice No. 313 of 15 March 2020, and remain in place until the minister either repeals the regulations or the state of disaster ends. The state of disaster was most recently extended by Government Notice R 15 of 13 January 2021, and currently lasts until 15 February 2021. This means the regulations are still in force, and sites that were zero-rated in 2020 should continue to be zero-rated until at least 15 February (and beyond, if there's a subsequent extension -- we've seen the state of disaster extended in monthly increments for about the last six months).  We have received no further news regarding this.

When I upload e.g. videos to Google sites, Google forms, create ePortfolios, will this require data?

This should not require data.

Note:  On most mobile devices, when the screen locks, the VPN connection will disconnect.  This is due to a setting on the mobile device which causes the network connection to drop to conserve power.

iKamva is Zero Rated

It should be noted that iKamva has been Zero Rated to assist students with data costs, when accessing the institutional Learning Management System (LMS), iKamva.

What is Zero Rated?

Zero Rated refers to the practice of internet service providers (ISPs), such as Vodacom; Telkom; CellC; and MTN - not calculating certain data usage against a customer’s data plan. This means that students can access certain websites or services (in this case iKamva, the online platform), without impacting their monthly data usage limit.

*For example, a mobile network operator might offer "zero-rated" access to certain social media apps, allowing customers to use those apps without incurring data charges. Unfortunately, the mobile internet service providers have excluded rich media content such as videos, skype, streaming, YouTube, and all externally linked content. Hence, if the content originates from a different website, it will not be included within the Zero Rated service for iKamva.

If students make use of OpenVPN they will be able to access rich media content

UWC will cover the costs of student access to externally hosted resources such as, YouTube videos, Learning Science content/resources (simulations), Turnitin (Tii), Skills Assessment Manager (SAM) simulations if they make use of the OpenVPN service.

"Students currently receive 10 GB data on their registered SIM cards and then capped to 5 GB on openvpn.

This gives students a total of 15 GB free of charge.

Once the data cap of 5 GB is reached on openvpn then students will no longer be able to connect.

Only certain urls are accessible when using openvpn.

The websites/services which are available on openvpn are listed on https://iamuwc.uwc.ac.za/" [ICS Department, UWC]

Interactive Tools

1. Computer Readiness Test

2. Daily Schedule Calculator

3. Study Schedule

iKamva runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, & Android or any other device with a modern web browser. Recommended Browsers to access iKamva:

• Google Chrome

•  Mozilla Firefox

*Please avoid using Internet Explorer/Microsoft Edge and Apple Safari as there are compatibility issues with the iKamva site

Other Browser Requirements:

• Adobe Flash

• Javascript Enabled

Skill Requirements:

• Stable Internet Connection

• Microsoft Office OR OpenOffice Suites (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Basic Computer Literacy knowledge (Copying, pasting, attaching/uploading of documents).

View screencasts demonstrating how to access and login to iKamva on our CIECT YouTube Channel.

As a student you will be required to login to iKamva with your username and password. 

First year students: 

In order to access and engage in your online modules, make use of the following access details:

§  Add the prefix: !St to your ID number

§   If you are an international student you will be required to add !St to your passport number

Example:

Access: https://ikamva.uwc.ac.za

Username: student number example (4112117) use your own student here

Password (see use of exclamation as part of your ID/Passport number):

§  !StID number (national students) OR 

§  !St passport number (International students)

Username: 4112117

Password: !St0201010062087

  View screencasts demonstrating how to access and login to iKamva on our CIECT YouTube Channel:

Student Login

This unit introduces you to iKamva, the Learning Management System (LMS) used at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and its navigation in order to become familiar with various content, communication and assessment eTools. The various eTools and how to use it are further explained in the instructional videos

View screencasts demonstrating how to navigate the iKamva Platform on our CIECT YouTube Channel:

ICS have launched a Self Service Password Portal, making it easier than ever for you to recover your password if you ever forget it. You can now reset or change your password without having to contact the ServiceDesk for assistance.

You can access the Portal here and it doesn't require VPN.

We urge users to reset your password regularly

If you get stuck, you can still contact the ICS Servicedesk at servicedesk@uwc.ac.za or 021 959 2000.