Next generation ICT policy in South Africa: Towards a human development-based ICT policy

Abstract

This chapter discusses the critical link between human development and information and communications technology (ICT) policy in South Africa. Through a review of relevant literature, the status of human development and ICT growth in South Africa was investigated. The findings showed that South Africa is lagging behind many similar developing countries in terms of both ICT growth and human development. The South African ICT policy environment was analysed and found to lack a strong emphasis on human development. A human development-based ICT policy is advocated, and recommendations for achieving this are made. © 2008 International Federation for Information Processing.