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Civil society, information and communications technology, and good governance: Challenges facing South Africa

Albert Arko-Cobbah

Presented at ASIST 2004 Annual Meeting; "Managing and Enhancing Information: Cultures and Conflicts" (ASIST AM 04), Providence, Rhode Island, November 13 - 18, 2004


Abstract

Information and communications technology (ICT) has become an important catalyst for social change and economic development. The government of South Africa has, therefore, taken various steps aimed at bridging the digital divide, and the use of ICT to enhance quality governance. The paper gives attributes of good governance and the strategies initiated by the South African to regulate the IT industry. The use of ICT to promote the UN's Millennium Development Goals of democratic governance and quality of life are emphasized. Moreover, attempts being made by the government to use ICT to enhance good governance in public administration and management are also discussed. The governmnet is also making efforts towards communal access to ICT through the provision of payphones and subsidized phoneshops in the rural communities. The use of telecentres to provide community-based information services is being vigorously pursued. In all these efforts, lack of ICT skills and the need to create more ICT enabling environment remain a major challenge.


  
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