Developing a Framework for Sustainable Information and Communication Technology Platforms for Resource Scarce Rural Communities

Authors

  • Thato Foko South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15353/joci.v14i2-3.3415

Keywords:

Telecentres, Multi-Purpose Centres, information communication technologies, technology acceptance model, ICT for development, sustainability

Abstract

In attempting to bridge the digital divide and provide access to ICTs the South Africa government deployed telecentres to rural areas. The purpose of this paper is to provide some insights into what makes telecentres sustainable. The ICT Platform project (Platform) is the initiative between the South African government and the CSIR.  For this study the Technology Acceptance Model is utilised. The main research methodology will be qualitative multiple case study research with interpretivism as philosophy. The results show the importance of community leaders, project champions and users in the adoption and use and in ensuring the financially, socially and politically sustainability of ICT Platforms. 

Author Biography

Thato Foko, South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

Thato is a Principal Researcher in the Technology Implementation and Monitoring and Evaluation group of the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Meraka Institute. He obtained his PhD in Digital Media in 2006 specialising in information and communication technology in education from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Thato's special interests include among others educational gaming and ICT4D.

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Published

2018-11-27

Issue

Section

Research Articles