Browsing by Author "Seifert, Natalie"

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    Bridging the digital divide: a case study of a collaboration between a metropolitan municipality and a non-profit organisation
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Seifert, Natalie; Mortimer, Len; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic anad Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Currently, the human race lives in an era in which technology plays a large role. The latest technological devices, such as computers and smart phones are mostly used in tandem with access to the internet. It is unfortunately also a reality that people who have access to the internet, have the opportunity to further themselves in life, while other vulnerable and disadvantaged groups do not have the same opportunities. This gap is known as the digital divide. Access to the internet does not only mean being in possession of the device that can connect to the internet, but also having the opportunity to acquire the skills and expertise to be able to use the internet. This study focuses on the role of the internet by illustrating how the internet can positively impact a person’s life by linking them to economic and social opportunities. The role of the government to provide internet access to all citizens is also portrayed as a means to render service delivery more efficiently. Lastly, the study highlights the contrast within the digital divide between on the one hand, the positive impact and beneficial elements of having access to the internet and on the other hand, the negative effect and disadvantages it creates for individuals and consequently also for society as a whole. The municipality in this study, in cooperation with a non-profit organisation, formed a partnership by utilising government resources in its responsibility as a service provider to provide internet access to its residents. This innovative initiative was made possible by the use of a supposed cost effective model and the cooperation of other companies which have acknowledged the importance of internet connectivity to as many people as possible. The findings in this study are based on information from and behavioural patterns of the users’ who make use of the service provided by the abovementioned initiative. Recommendations were made to both the municipality and the non-profit organisation in accordance to the users' behavioural preferences and how the service can be improved to reach more users. This study can be referred to as a step toward success in the digital history of South Africa.