Critical success factors in telecentre sustainability: a case study of six telecentres in the Limpopo Province

Abstract

Access to Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) is regarded by the South African government as vital in improving the quality of life in rural areas. To this effect, the Universal Service Agency (USA), a statutory body established in terms of the Telecommunications Act, 1996, (Act 103 of 1996), is charged with the responsibility of spear-heading universal service by rolling out ICT services in rural areas. This article is based on the researchers' experiences and findings of the study commissioned by the USA and funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The study investigated the operations and effectiveness of six telecentres in Limpopo (formerly known as the Northern Province), with a view to determining critical success factors which make telecentres sustainable. Critical success factors which consistently make a telecentre sustainable are identified and explored. These are inter alia, determination of the need for a telecentre in the ear-marked area, community support, continuous training for telecentre managers, sound management skills and a vigorous marketing strategy. This article intends to create a learning system for other telecentres elsewhere, to enhance their sustainability.     

The duty of the state to eradicate the legacy of apartheid in South Africa versus resistance to change： Critical analysis of the Chairperson＇s Association Case

South Africa was colonized by European powers from as early as the seventeenth century and all aspects of the indigenous population were transformed, alternatively, subjected to the norms of life of the colonial powers. This led to the erosion of African names and the replacement therefore by colonial names. The South African Geographical Names Council Act is intended to address this legacy.     

Gender violence： A perception that the law discriminates in favor of women

Prior to the democratization of the South African society, human rights culture was at a lower ebb, both within the government and the society at large. The society was male dominated and the vulnerable members of society, ostensibly women and children, were not adequately protected against their male counterparts. The Republic of South Africa Constitution Act, brought with it a bill of rights which is justiciable and this led to the promulgation of various legislative measures, notably the Prevention of Family Violence Act, which was later replaced by the Domestic Violence Act, in terms whereof the state attempts to curb the scourge of gender and related violence.