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CSIS 535 COMPUTER NETWORKS
Title: Bridging the Global Digital Divide: A Comprehensive Analysis of Mauritius and
South Africa
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Introduction:
The global digital divide, a term coined in the mid-1990s, has become a pivotal concern in the
realm of technology, delineating the segregation between those who have access to
advanced forms of technology and those who do not, particularly between the developed
and developing worlds (Ragnedda & Ruiu, 2017). This paper delves into the multifaceted
dimensions of the global digital divide, examining cultural, political, and economic
factors. A comparative analysis of two African nations, South Africa and Mauritius,
sheds light on the diverse strategies and outcomes in combating this pervasive divide.
1. The Success Story of Mauritius:
Mauritius, a small island nation nestled in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa, has emerged as a
beacon of success in minimizing the digital divide. With a population of 1.2 million,
Mauritius strategically transitioned to English as the official language, resulting in a
literacy rate of 88% and positioning the country favorably in global trading markets (Pee,
Kankanhalli & Show, 2010). The government's proactive approach is exemplified by the
National ICT Strategic Plan introduced in 2007, aiming to transform Mauritius into an
ICT hub.
1.1 Language and Literacy: The emphasis on English significantly contributed to Mauritius'
success, leading to recognition in the e-government readiness ranking by the United
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Nations (2010, pg. 3). This deliberate language policy facilitated access to global
information and opportunities, aligning with the country's economic goals.
1.2 Government Initiatives: The National ICT Strategic Plan showcased the government's
commitment to ICT skills development, personal ownership, and broadband internet
penetration (2010, pg. 4). Notably, the strategic placement of publicly subsidized kiosks
in rural areas played a crucial role in fostering ICT use, addressing geographical
disparities.
1.3 Overcoming Challenges: Mauritius successfully navigated challenges by leveraging factors
such as perceived usefulness and subjective norms, positively influencing ICT use (2010,
pg. 10). Perceived usefulness, defined as an individual's belief in the enhancement of
performance through technology, played a pivotal role in encouraging the use of publicly
subsidized kiosks (2010, pg. 10). Subjective norms, reflecting an individual's perception
of social referents, further bolstered ICT use, with friends and relatives influencing
positive behavior (2010, pg. 12). Mauritius serves as a model for demonstrating how
proactive government support and strategic planning can minimize the global digital
divide.
2. Challenges Faced by South Africa:
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In contrast, South Africa grapples with distinct challenges in mitigating the global digital divide.
Issues of physical access, political influence, awareness, and cultural diversity pose
formidable obstacles.
2.1 Physical Access Constraints: South Africa faces a critical issue concerning the lack of
physical access to ICTs in rural areas, with most ICT hubs concentrated in major cities
(Cullen, 2001, pg. 5). The ensuing challenges include high commute costs and difficulties
for disabled individuals, hindering accessibility and exacerbating the digital divide.
2.2 Political Influence: Political leaders wield significant influence over a nation's approach to
ICT incorporation (Robison & Crenshaw, 2010). South Africa's post-apartheid challenges
and political priorities delayed focused efforts on Internet connectivity (2010, pg. 8-11).
The country grappled with more immediate concerns, such as transitioning past an
apartheid government, which impacted the prioritization of basic values over Internet
connectivity.
2.3 Awareness and Skill Gaps: Barriers in South Africa encompass a lack of awareness of ICT
benefits and insufficient skills and support (Jacobs & Herselman, 2006, pg. 2).
Community centers have been identified as potential hubs for increasing familiarity with
technology, suggesting that awareness and skill development are pivotal in addressing the
digital divide (2006, pg. 3-5).
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2.4 Cultural and Linguistic Challenges: Cultural barriers, including language diversity and
proficiency issues, contribute significantly to South Africa's digital divide (Graham,
2011, pg. 221-223). Unlike Mauritius, where English is dominant, South Africa's
linguistic diversity requires tailored solutions. Addressing this challenge may involve
providing translators at community centers or installing alternative language options on
ICT settings.
2.5 Economic Vulnerability: While telecommunication services have been identified as a
means to alleviate financial vulnerability in South Africa, poor households face barriers
such as language comprehension and lack of access (Friederici, Ojanperä & Graham,
2017, pg. 3-5). The lack of telecommunication services in rural areas compounds issues
of mobility and accessibility for the most economically vulnerable.
Conclusion:
The comparative analysis between Mauritius and South Africa underscores the importance of
tailoring solutions to specific cultural, economic, and political contexts. Mauritius serves
as a model for proactive government intervention, strategic planning, and infrastructure
development, showcasing how these elements can effectively minimize the global digital
divide. South Africa, grappling with its unique set of challenges, necessitates targeted
interventions, including addressing physical access constraints, political priorities,
awareness and skill gaps, cultural and linguistic diversity, and economic vulnerabilities.
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References:
• Ragnedda, M., & Ruiu, M. L. (2017). Digital Capitalism: Theories and Cases. Routledge.
• Pee, L. G., Kankanhalli, A., & Show, V. O. (2010). Bridging the digital divide: use of
public internet kiosks in Mauritius. Journal of Global Information Management (JGIM),
18(1), 15-38.
• Cullen, R. (2001). Addressing the digital divide. Online information review, 25(5), 311-
320.
• Robinson, K. K., & Crenshaw, E. M. (2010). Reevaluating the global digital divide:
Socio-demographic and conflict barriers to the internet revolution. Sociological Inquiry,
80(1), 34-62.
• Jacobs, S. J., & Herselman, M. E. (2006). Information access for development: A case
study at a rural community centre in South Africa. Issues in Informing Science &
Information Technology, 3.
• Graham, M. (2011). Time machines and virtual portals: The spatialities of the digital
divide. Progress in development studies, 11(3), 211-227.
• Friederici, N., Ojanperä, S., & Graham, M. (2017). The impact of connectivity in Africa:
Grand visions and the mirage of inclusive digital development. The Electronic Journal of
Information Systems in Developing Countries, 79(1), 1-20.
