Mapping and auditing digital literacy of civil servants in selected South African government departments

Abstract

As digital technology becomes ubiquitous, workers will increasingly need an appropriate set ofdigital skills to access and process information, using digital systems and tools. Hence, the aimof the study was to map and audit the digital literacy of civil servants in selected South Africangovernment departments in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Through a survey, four government departments,considered to be central to service delivery, were targeted. To obtain a representative sample, asystematic sampling method was applied. Data were analysed using the SPSS statistical analysisprogramme. The results suggested that not enough is being done to equip civil servants with thedigital literacy skills they require to improve service delivery. As technology changes, so does theneed for training in new technologies. Developing digital literacy in the workplace is a definite wayfor businesses and organisations to increase their work productivity and creativity. It is importantto note that digital literacy is an essential requirement for effective and optimal participation in theworld’s economy. The digital era is not going to disappear, and the need for education to respondto the growing digital tide is rapidly increasing. A digitally literate workforce is crucial if governmentis serious about improving work productivity and creativity in the public sector.