Although comprising of a population with just over 1.04 billion people of the world’s 8 billion population, it is a global fact that Africa is the most underdeveloped continent in the world with a lot of challenges ranging from food security, malnutrition and infrastructure. These challenges can be attributed to the colonization and exploitation of Africa in previous generations. However there is a new Africa that is emerging from the shackles of oppression, an Africa that is full of life, energy and enthusiasm. In this article we will look at the digitalization of African rural communities such as the African villages and African townships.
South Africa is one of the 3 best performing economies in the continent with a population of not more than 60 million people – according to recent statistical reports. However, it is also the most unequal country in the world where there is a vast divide between the rich and poor. A flustering 80% of the country’s wealth belongs to a minority group of just 10% of the population. The gap between the people of South Africa is evident when one looks at the quality of life in rural areas such as the township of Alexandra compared to that of Sandton in the Gauteng province – a township and suburb directly adjacent to each other. The country is also facing its worst unemployment crisis of 45% (2022 Q1 stats).
The role of digital advancement has been identified as a key to bridging the gap between the rural and urban economic activity by many stakeholders in South Africa including the South African government. In plans for its vision of 2060, the African Union has identified that digitalization will be significant in economic growth, industrialisation, elimination of poverty and improving many lives of the African people. The government of South Africa has identified that internet access is needed in order to address unemploynent and bridge the digital gap between communities by embarking on a journey to supply free 10 gigabytes to each household. South Africans are urged to take up these opportunities in digital technologies in order to advance themselves in various sectors such as social media, agriculture, transportation and other careers.
Purpose Economic Consulting plays a crucial role in the education and promotion of digital technology to many South African communities. The organization is working towards bringing in the youth across the townships and rural areas who do not have access to computers or smart phones, to acquire the information and skill set to better themselves as well as the communities they reside in.
Written by: Phumlani Meke
Bsc (Hons): Herbal Sciences – UWC
BSc: Chemical Sciences – UWC
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