African Journal of Energy Systems and Sustainable Technologies | 15 February 2007
Strategies for Bridging Digital Inclusion in Rural South Africa: A Comparative Study
K, g, o, m, o, t, s, o, M, o, k, g, o, b, u, ,, S, i, y, a, b, o, n, g, a, C, e, l, e, ,, N, o, k, u, t, h, u, l, a, P, o, n, d, e, c, h, e, r, y
Abstract
Rural areas in South Africa face significant digital inclusion gaps due to limited access to technology infrastructure and services. The study employed a comparative analysis of case studies from three different regions within South Africa. Data was collected through surveys, interviews, and observations. A notable finding is that the implementation of low-cost mobile internet solutions in one region significantly reduced access barriers by 40% compared to traditional broadband approaches. The comparative study underscores the effectiveness of tailored strategies for digital inclusion, particularly those involving community-led initiatives and affordable technology solutions. Policy makers should prioritise funding for low-cost mobile internet infrastructure in underserved rural areas. Community leaders should be encouraged to develop local training programmes. digital inclusion, rural South Africa, technological adoption, community engagement, low-cost mobile internet Model estimation used $\hat{\theta}=argmin<em>{\theta}\sum</em>i\ell(y<em>i,f</em>\theta(x<em>i))+\lambda\lVert\theta\rVert</em>2^2$, with performance evaluated using out-of-sample error.