1: INTRODUCTION:
-In this essay will be discussed about the impact of the
digital divide on democracy and the government of South Africa. By digital
divide we mean an economic inequality between groups, broadly construed, in
terms of access to use of, or knowledge of information and communication
technologies. The digital divide refers to the difference between people who
have easy access to the internet and those who do not. A lack of access is
believed to be disadvantages to those on the disadvantages side of the digital
divide because of the huge knowledge base that can only be found online.
-By democracy we means, is a form of government bin which
all eligible citizens participate equally. Either directly or indirectly
through elected representatives in the proposal, development, and creation of laws.it
encompasses social, religious, cultural. Ethnic and racial equality, justice,
liberty and fraternity. Democracy is a system of government by the whole population
or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected
representatives.
2: EXPLANATION OF THE IMPACT OF THE DIGITAL
DIVIDE ON DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNEMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA.
-According to Norris P, the global information society
that links around the people with the power of information, by using the
internet. In the global information society, all information is made avaible to
everyone. Digital divide refers to the
gap between individuals , households , business and geographic areas at
different social economic levels in order words the rich and , which the regard
both to their opportunities to access
information and communication technologies and their use of internet for wide
variety of activities. Digital divide reflects various differences among and
within countries.
-Democracy means the government by people. That means
that all the people should be able to have a say in everything that affects
their lives. Democracy can be also exercised directly by the people through
their elected agents. (Peter Gelderoos 2004)
-Government in regulation, supervisor or the control
which is exercised upon the individual members of on organised jural society by those invested with the supreme
political authority, for the good and welfare of the political body. The
difference in the access to information and technology with normally result
because of differences in race, status, age and geography and other factors can
cause other citizen to be deprived in the global economy (globalisation) this
difference is known as digital divide. Digital divide in South Africa is
somewhat evident that 4, 5%of the total population are the informed ones and
the other 95, 5% are that do not know anything about the internet.
The main reason
for digital divide in South Africa is because of the Apartheid legacy which
promoted separate development, which provided inferior education and poor and
no access to learning opportunities for non-whites. (Lewis C, 2007).
-According to Chisenga Jonas (2004), the existence of
digital divide is also caused by high levels of poverty and lack of
telecommunication services and the high cost of connectivity; this also goes
beyond the access to hardware and communication systems. For example there is
still a gap in generational and educational divides between those who are
capable of getting information using the internet and those who still cannot.
-How to digital divide impact democracy and the
government , democracy and government are influenced in various ways such as
poverty , even through other countries such as America and Europe want to
help South Africa government close the
gap of digital divide , the cost of technology balanced against other
priorities , such as healthcare and famine well take precedence over the spread
of technology and also literacy is major challenge for the government
furthermore; English is the language
that are first language .In South Africa , excluding English there are 11
others official languages .This makes the literally challenge even greater.(Verlonen
2004).
-According to Trusler (2003), for example South Africa
has to deal with a number of challenges before they can begin with any
initiatives for bridging the digital divide .They challenges issues are follows
Trusler (2003):
-A high level of inequality.
-A weak ICT (Information Communication Technology)
infrastructures, particularly in rural areas.
-A lack of ICT readiness in government.
-More pressing demands in the public services that makes
ICT.
3: THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL DIVIDE.
- According to Sarah Newton, The impact of digital divide
on British families, the term is used to describe an economic inequality
between group, where some have access to information and communication
technologies and other don’t .But it’s also used to describe the knowledge gap
between parents and their children. The gaps created by inequate
infrastructures and lack of basis knowledge about the digital world are late
obstacles to genuine mass connectively. But late adapters don’t always have the
knowledge they need to use the internet to its full extent.
-A such, same parent have left standed. Their children
know a great deal more about how to drive a computer, tablet, laptop or Smartphone
than they do.
Today’s children
and teenagers have grow up with digital technologies, and they take to new
development perfectly naturally, accepting then as the norm and often leaving
their parent behind. The knowledge gap between parent and children, it’s
difficult to keep your children secure when you don’t understand what they’re
doing online. But once you understand the basic of cyber bullying, you can spot
the signs.
-There are possible solutions to bringing the digital divide;
a technology culture can be developed in South Africa universities and
communities where programmes can be developed in order to teach people about
the internet and hoe it functions. However information, and more importantly
knowledge,
has the ability to empower people. Therefore , it is necessary to bridge the
digital divide help small communities that do not know about the internet
concerted effort to provide graduates who have the knowledge and skills to
become technology leaders , and who will help those in need.
4: BIBLIOGRAPHY:
-Chisenga, J. 2004.Africa Governments in Cyberpace.are
they bringing the content to digital divide. Cape Town.
-Lewis, C. 2007. South Africa [Online} Avaible:
htt://www.digital divide. Org/filed/pdf (Accessed 19 April 2013).
-Norris, P. 2001. Digital divide: civic engagements,
information poverty, and the Internet worldwide. Cambrige: Cambrige University
Press.
-Newton, S.2012. All right reserved. New Thinking for a
new generation.
