An Assessment of Available Access to Technology in KwaZulu-Natal

11 pages•Published: June 16, 2024

Enhle Zandile Yvonne Kheswa and Zama Dlamini

Abstract

The digital transformation of South Africa presents various challenges, including inadequate infrastructure in rural and township areas, high costs of upgrading IT systems, and energy instability. This research paper focuses on evaluating the ICT infrastructure and internet accessibility in the public sector of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and aims to provide insights into the existing ICT infrastructure within KZN's government departments, public facilities, and municipalities, and make recommendations for infrastructure investments and policy improvements. The research methodology involved the collection of survey data from 1737 respondents representing 11 district municipalities in KZN. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining qualitative methods such as literature reviews with quantitative data collection through online surveys. The findings reveal significant disparities in the distribution of ICT infrastructure across KZN's districts. The Ugu and Ilembe districts had the highest number of respondents, while Amajuba, uMgungundlovu, and uThukela had limited participation. The education and health departments were the most represented in terms of institutions. Regarding computer devices and connectivity, approximately 82% of institutions had internet-enabled computers, but 43% lacked internet connectivity and relied on mobile data connections. Network ports were found to be scarce, limiting access to reliable network connectivity. Further-more, IT skills development initiatives were generally lacking, with most institutions not offering any IT training or providing only basic computing skills. These findings highlight the need for substantial improvements in ICT infrastructure and internet accessibility within the KZN public sector. Recommendations are made to address the shortage of equipment, enhance internet access, and expand IT skills development programs. The study's outcomes aim to guide policymakers and investors in making informed decisions regarding ICT infrastructure investments in the province, thereby promoting equitable access and bridging the availability gap.

Keyphrases: digital transformation, ict infrastructure, internet accessibility, it skills, public sector

In: Hossana Twinomurinzi, Nkosikhona Theoren Msweli, Sibukele Gumbo, Tendani Mawela, Emmanuel Mtsweni, Peter Mkhize and Ernest Mnkandla (editors). Proceedings of the NEMISA Digital Skills Summit and Colloquium 2024, vol 6, pages 95-105.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/RBN5
	https://doi.org/10.29007/l9kq

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{NEMISADigitalSkills2024:Assessment_Available_Access_Technology,
  author    = {Enhle Zandile Yvonne Kheswa and Zama Dlamini},
  title     = {An Assessment of Available Access to Technology in KwaZulu-Natal},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of the NEMISA Digital Skills Summit and Colloquium 2024},
  editor    = {Hossana Twinomurinzi and Nkosikhona Theoren Msweli and Sibukele Gumbo and Tendani Mawela and Emmanuel Mtsweni and Peter Mkhize and Ernest Mnkandla},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Education Science},
  volume    = {6},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2516-2306},
  url       = {/publications/paper/RBN5},
  doi       = {10.29007/l9kq},
  pages     = {95-105},
  year      = {2024}}

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