An Overview of Internet Developments and their Impact on E-Government in South Africa

An Overview of Internet Developments and their Impact on E-Government in South Africa

Goonasagree Naidoo (University of South Africa, South Africa), S. Singh (University of South Africa, South Africa) and Niall Levine (University of South Africa, South Africa)
Copyright: © 2013 |Pages: 15
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-3607-1.ch013

Abstract

The usage of the internet has grown over recent years in South Africa but at a very slow rate. This is the result of several challenges facing the growth of the Internet in South Africa. These challenges are mostly related to the lack of infrastructure for the Internet, high cost of computer technology and service provider challenges. The paper provides an overview of the Internet usage and its impact on E-Government in South Africa. It examines regulatory issues pertaining to the Internet. It also examines Internet growth in the business and government sectors. In the government sector, the Cape Online Strategy, is an initiative by the provincial government of the Western Cape in SA, is an example of a global trend towards greater levels of interactivity between government and citizens. This initiative is an excellent example of how Web-based solutions can be used to deliver certain services to citizens. Another excellent example is an E-justice initiative undertaken by the Department of Justice. The initiative aims at promoting a more efficient system of Justice in SA. The paper also provides an overview of the challenges to Internet adoption in South Africa.
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Introduction

Many countries worldwide are constantly creating exciting ways in which to use the Internet. South Africa (SA) is no exception. The SA government has launched an e-government policy which is aimed at creating a government that works better, costs less and is results-driven. It is clear that the reinvention of the SA government is tied to the proliferation of the Internet. The Internet is perceived as an instrument to enhance service delivery performance in the South African public service. The internet is also perceived as an essential tool to ‘catch-up’ to the information age of the developed world and to close the digital gap in SA.

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of internet usage in South Africa. It also considers development arising from the internet usage in SA. This paper does not attempt to provide a synoptic overview of all internet initiatives in SA. Instead it mainly provides a snapshot of recent key internet initiatives in SA. Against this background, a qualitative analysis is used.

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