ICT Adoption and Improving Service Delivery within the Municipalities of the North-West Province, South Africa
Mooki Lobelo 
& Ndivhoniswani Aaron Tshidzumba
Issue: Vol.5 No.7 Issue Article 20 pp.1324-1338
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20245720 | Published online 24th July, 2024
© 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
The advent of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) has brought rapid communication transformation from analogue to digital. The digital divide poses a greater threat towards community service and rural development, with the government failing to provide effective and efficient communication strategies for service delivery to rural communities. The study found that the North-West province needs to communicate more adequately with its communities, failing to achieve its objective towards its rural communities. Thus individuals within the development communication process are agents of change, not just recipients of a development initiative but active participants and contributors of knowledge and information. Theoretically, the study pegged on, Information Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) which refers to “theories of Change”, not only implying the designation of technologies and diffusion but a multifaceted, dynamic, and contentious socio-economic and technological process. This study employed qualitative techniques and purposive sampling to gather data, through interviews and questionnaires, for both communication directors and community members. Thematic analysis was employed to reach the conclusion of the study. The study recommends that the use of smartphones and M-technology in all provincial departments would enhance their service deliveries and that the introduction of digital platforms such as the North-West Service Delivery App and the introduction of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are essential for effective and efficient socio-economic and technological development of the rural communities within the province. The study will provide insight and add to the current discourse on the importance of ICT adoption for rural development.
Keywords: M-Technology, E-Governance, Economic Openness, Municipalities, Rural Development, Artificial Intelligence
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Dr Mooki Lobelo is a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director of the School of Communication (Mahikeng Campus), Faculty of Humanities: Dr. Lobelo is a distinguished academic with a robust portfolio in teaching and administration. As a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director at the School of Communication on the Mahikeng Campus, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum and guiding the academic journey of students in the Faculty of Humanities. His expertise spans across multiple communication disciplines, including Marketing Communication, Communication Policy & Ethics, and Organizational Communication, where he is known for his dynamic teaching style and deep industry insights.. Dr. Lobelo’s research interests are at the intersection of technology and social development. He focuses on:ICT and Rural Development: Exploring how information and communication technologies can drive growth and improve the quality of life in rural areas; Digitalization and AI in Change Management Processes: Investigating the role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in facilitating organisational change and enhancing management practices.Dr. Lobelo’s work in these areas reflects a commitment to leveraging technological advancements to foster development and efficiency, making significant contributions to both academic literature and practical applications in the field of communication
Professor Ndivhoniswani Aaron Tshidzumba is a Professor of Communications, at the Department of Communication Science in the University of South Africa (UNISA). A former Deputy Dean: Faculty of Humanities responsible for Community Engagement, Business Development and Stakeholder Relations, with North-West University (NWU). He taught Broadcasting and Journalism at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Pretoria. He worked as a high school teacher in South Africa and Britain, a broadcaster in South Africa as well as a Chief Executive Officer in the South African government entity within the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies. Aaron further served as board member of Dirapeng (Pty) Ltd, North-West Parks & Tourism Board, South African Broadcasting Corporation, Mmabana Arts Foundation and as a member of the Task Team on establishment of Mpumalanga University to the Premier’s Office in Mpumalanga. He has produced various television and corporate productions. His research interests include regional broadcasting, communication (telecoms, energy and ICTs) policies and regulations, as well as apps development, community journalism (including the ‘internet of things’), broadband and computer/digital literacy and media transmission and satellite.
Lobelo, Mooki & Ndivhoniswani Aaron Tshidzumba. “ICT Adoption and Improving Service Delivery within the Municipalities of the North-West Province, South Africa,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 5, no.7 (2024): 1324-1338. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20245720
© 2024 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
