Context for ICT's Role in South African Development

This chapter discusses that information and communication technologies (ICTs) can (and should) be used to disseminate information and participation to disadvantaged communities in order to foster socio-economic development in South Africa. The objective of this chapter is twofold: (1) how should ICT policies and frameworks in South Africa be implemented (e.g. by a “top-down”, “bottom-up” or “mixed approach” paradigm) in order for the South African government to achieve its socio-economic goals?; and (2) can socio-economic development in South Africa be effectively assisted by the use of ICT? A discussion of these points may assist in the formulation of national ICT policies in South Africa and thereby spawn the setting up of social appropriation of ICT advancement programs. Such programs are particularly relevant to the digital divide, for fostering socio-economic development and in promoting an inclusive information society in South Africa.