Challenges of ICT policy for rural communities: A case study from South Africa

Abstract

It is alleged that rural people in South Africa are being excluded from the rest of the world in terms of communication and exchange of information due to lack of appropriate ICT policies. This research used grounded theory method to study the local authority of Dr S.J. Moroka in order to understand the limitations of the South African ICT policy for poor rural communities. It found lack of leadership for integrating multiple policy initiatives and evidence of a culture of non-compliance with policies. These are major challenges that need to be addressed. This chapter makes several practical suggestions for the integration of isolated, disadvantaged, and poverty-stricken rural communities into the rest of the world, enabling them to benefit from ICT-related services on a sustainable basis. © 2008 International Federation for Information Processing.