ICTs for the Broader Development of South Africa: An Analysis of the Literature

• Johnston, Kevin Allan ^[1] ; Jali, Ndumiso ^[1] ; Kundaeli, Flora ^[1] ; Adeniran, Tejumade ^[1]
  1. [1] University of Cape Town

     University of Cape Town

     City of Cape Town, Sudáfrica

     
• Localización: EJISDC: The Electronic Journal on Information Systems in Developing Countries, ISSN-e 1681-4835, Nº. 70, 2015
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • The purpose of this research is to ascertain whether Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been valuable in the provision of broader development to South African citizens. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted on data in the form of peer reviewed academic literature. The data is therefore not primary as the works of authors are subjected to the relative and subjective scrutiny of the authors themselves (Walsham, 1995). Thus the underlying philosophy of the study is one of an interpretivism nature. The study found that ICT has been a key contributor to development in areas such as agricultural supply chains and also served as a key enabler in the provision of health care for the poor. The study also found that ICTs are an integral part of development policies aimed at bettering the lives of the poor. However, an understanding of the context in which ICTs are implemented is vital in ensuring the success of ICT projects. The analysis and understanding of exactly how ICTs contribute towards development can provide a basis from which further studies can be conducted and also provide a pragmatic insight into how development can be achieved through the use of ICTs. The study highlights avenues for future research, especially with regards to ICTs for the development of South Africa and the role ICT plays in improving civil society.