The potential of mobile phones for increasing public participation in local government in South Africa

Hannah Thinyane,Ingrid Siebörger,Edward Reynell

doi:10.4102/td.v11i3.65

Abstract

This paper presents a critical discussion on the current use of technology and participation in local government. It discusses the rise in popularity of mobile devices, and how they have been used in ICT for development. The paper describes the results of a baseline study undertaken in a city within Makana Municipality in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, to empirically investigate how residents are currently using mobile phones and participating with local government around the area of service delivery. The findings illustrate the current state of mobile phone usage and capabilities, and the potential for using the mobile platform to increase participation in local government in South Africa. The paper also can be used to inform and guide project stakeholders on how best to implement m-participation strategies.

Highlights

Since the turn of this century, there has been much excitement surrounding the use of internet enabled mobile phones as a solution for a number of development issues [1]
Within Africa, there has been a dramatic rise in the use of mobile phones in the past 20 years
This paper presents a critical discussion on the current use of technology and participation in local government

Summary

Introduction

Since the turn of this century, there has been much excitement surrounding the use of internet enabled mobile phones as a solution for a number of development issues [1]. All pointed to the potential of ICTs in leapfrogging development in Africa, facilitating economic growth, enhancing lives and empowering citizens [2, p217]. Proponents of the use of technology for development cite a number of reasons for their use: increased penetration of mobile devices; availability of mobile internet; and the potential of technology to leapfrog over other developmental challenges. Within Africa, there has been a dramatic rise in the use of mobile phones in the past 20 years. This rise has been shown to stem from a number of different sources. There has been almost zero growth in fixed line infrastructure, necessitating people to look to other sources for their communication requirements [4]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion