What Is Affecting Digital Divide In South Africa?

We must first try to recognize what brings about this large gap in order to bridge the gap between those who do not have access to digital technology and those who do. In a diverse country like South Africa there are countless dynamics that contribute to the digital divide.

1. Lack Of Computer Skills

Because of the reason that learners that come from lower class parts of South Africa lacking more access to computers, they are less likely to be motivated to ace ICT literacy exams when compared to learners from upper classes.

Additionally, the learners that lack access to computers will not have the required skills to use them, and as an outcome, it builds a digital divide particularly when they go to start working in industry after leaving school. On the other hand, schools in higher class areas have the funds to afford computers for their learners.

2. No Internet Access

A lot of people use the internet to learn to perform tasks such as booking for a learner driver’s license exam, so if this information is not readily available free online then there’s bound to be long queues in government departments.

Facilities such as internet cafes should be made available for people that do not have computers or internet access at home, where they can get to have access to the internet. Furthermore, some learners are unable to access online information required to complete a project or study for exams.

What is dangerously harmful to the growth of our economy is that there are still many areas of South Africa that do not have access to the internet, because there is a huge number of individuals who are unable to shop online or even have access to vital information that could help them perform other tasks.

3. Government

Meanwhile we have 11 official languages in South Africa, it can also prove to be a challenge to deliver digital technology to people that speak in different languages.

It is an obstacle for South African citizens and the government seems to be hesitant to adjust policies to benefit its citizens, because there are government websites that South African citizens can access but that would not materialize without a computer and proper connectivity.

4. Rural Communities

According to studies there are about 56% of South Africans that have access to the internet and that use the internet, and this number is said to grow by 2025. For rural South Africa to be part of this digital growth, there is some sort of development that is needed for these regions.

Some people in rural areas don’t even have access to electricity as they cannot afford it, South Africans who live in rural communities are the ones that undergo the most from the digital divide. In contrast, over the years we have seen growth in the number of internet users in South Africa.

How Can South Africa Solve The Problem?

1. Reduce Cost

Some businesses could help by providing financial assistance to low-income areas so that they can also be able to afford the technology. Because there is a huge number of South Africans that are unable to have access to the internet as a result of the high cost of the internet and the latest technology.

2. Education

Not all schools have the technology to teach learners on how to use certain devices, and not all people have a full understanding of how technology works. Maybe organizations could donate some devices to low-income schools, then the government can start training for teachers so that they are able to teach learners on how to use the devices.

3. Improve Online Content

Since there are 11 official languages in our country individuals struggle to get hold of content in their own language, content that accommodates each language group needs to be developed so that each person can fully understand they website or online platform that they’re accessing because it would be in their own language.