Information and communication technology platforms deployment: Technology access reaches South African rural areas

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain how robust ICT Platforms can provide rural communities with access and use of ICTs. The Platform contributes to the creating of an inclusive information society and a thriving knowledge economy in South Africa. One government (Department) utilised ICT Platforms as instruments for achieving their mandate of providing quality ICT infrastructure and to facilitate establishment of rural enterprise and industries. From 2014 – 2016 the Department partnered with CSIR, as their implementation partner, to roll out the solar-powered ICT Platform to 14 sites in seven South African provinces where rich data was gathered. This research is underpinned by the notion of ICT for development. Qualitative approaches for data collection which included face-to-face interviews, observations, telephonic and questionnaires were used. The results show that successful deployment of ICT Platforms need involvement of all stakeholders including community leaders, trained champions and users of technology.