Background
In South Africa the success of community access initiatives such as Universal Services Agency's telecentres, HP i-communities, Multi-Purpose Community Centres or the multitude of other government-led or donor-funded initiatives has been mixed.
While there are a number of success stories and interesting innovations, many initiatives - such as the USA's telecentres - have been described as failures, both home and abroad.
Many factors contribute to this, including financial sustainability, governance, skills, support, and poverty. Yet why are some community access initiatives successful and others not?
Project Synopsis:
Within this context, Open Research is conducting research into community access initiatives in South Africa. The research will inform the programme activities of the Open Society Foundation - South Africa.
Key areas being looked at include:
An evaluation of community access initiatives in South Africa, depicting key trends;
Detailed evaluations of five community access sites - in Gaseleka and Kgautswane (in Limpopo), Alexandra and Orange Farm (in Gauteng) and Zwelethemba (in the Western Cape). Issues being considered include governance, ICTs, support, skills, training and information creation and provision;
The potential application of Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol, wireless and Open Source technology solutions;
Developing a toolkit for the managers of community access initiatives.
For more information mail Open Research at: info@openresearch.co.za
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