Mapping ICT Access in South Africa

The current and future capacity of South Africa to generate and sustain access to information and communication technologies (ICT) for its citizens is an important development priority. The Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (ASGISA), launched by government in 2006, identified key factors which are affecting South Africas drive to achieve 6% economic growth and to halve unemployment and poverty in South Africa by 2014. One of these factors is the cost of telecommunications. Together, the cost of telecommunications and the availability of ICT infrastructure will crucially facilitate or frustrate attempts to improve levels of access to ICT. Although the digital divide is visible in South Africa, the spatial dimensions of the distribution of ICT access in South Africa has not been systematically analysed. This report seeks to explore this important issue by mapping access to ICT, in order to maximise development opportunities, and to facilitate planning.

Tables and figures
Acknowledgements
acronyms
Executive Summary

1. Introduction
2. Access to telephonic communication
3. Access to Computers and the Internet
4. Access to information and telecommunications service centres
5. Under-serviced Areas
6. Composite Indicators of access to ICT
7. Conclusion and Recommendations

Appendices
References

Kholadi Tlabela is currently a deputy director at the Department of Correctional Services and holds an MA-degree in International Communications.

Joan Roodt is a chief researcher in the Education, Science and Skills Development Research Programme at the HSRC. She holds an MPhil in Communication Management at the University of Pretoria.

Dr Andrew Paterson is a research director in the Education, Science and Skills Development Research Programme at the HSRC.

Gina Weir-Smith is a Chief GIS Specialist in the Knowledge Systems research programme. She holds a master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems from the University of Stellenbosch.