SA must invest in bridging the digital divide

The benefits of 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution) are not distributed equally. HASANAIN ABDULLAH argues that the economic disparity affects the nation’s poor and ill-equipped to exploit opportunities in the digital age.

As I reflect on my role in managing downstream projects for the National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA), I am reminded daily of the two realities that exist in our beautiful country. South Africa, a nation with diverse cultures, is also a land of contrasts. On one side, you have the opulence of affluent suburbs such as Camps Bay, and on the other, the underdevelopment and stark realities faced by communities in township areas like Khayelitsha. Awqaf SA uplifts marginalised communities through its projects, which focus on health, education, and infrastructure development. Daily, this mission brings me face-to-face with the profound challenges of inequality.

In the socio-economic context, I want to touch on the technological age we are living in, which presents both opportunities and significant challenges. We can order a meal and have it delivered to our homes with the click of a button on a smartphone app like Uber Eats. As part of our microlearning journey, we can log onto an online masterclass and learn from the world’s best teachers from the comfort of our homes. Welcome to the world of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), where commerce and education are conducted online in an always-connected digital environment. However, these technological advances are accessible only to those with super-fast fibre internet and the latest hardware devices.

I want to zoom in on 4IR and the digital divide that exists in developing countries, specifically exploring the challenges faced by our poor communities, some of whom do not have access to, or are not connected to, this technological world for obvious reasons.

The 4IR is a catchy and tech-centric acronym that expresses the current digitally connected era we are living in. It is characterised by a fusion of technologies and online platforms that blur the lines between the physical and digital spheres. According to McKinsey & Company (2022), 4IR builds on the inventions of the Third Industrial Revolution, which unfolded from the 1950s to the early 2000s. This period saw the invention of room-sized supercomputers and eventually the advent of desktop-sized personal computers. Similarly, the current age has seen breakthroughs in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and 3D printing, to name a few. These innovations have the potential to transform industries and economies, creating new opportunities and improving the quality of life for some.

However, the benefits of 4IR are not distributed equally. Modern-day societies were not designed to be equal. There is a significant digital divide between those with access to these technologies and those without. This divide is evident in developing countries like South Africa, where many communities remain disconnected from the technological world.

Contributing factors to the divide include limited internet access, no access to devices, and a lack of digital literacy. These factors perpetuate the divide, leaving marginalised communities even further behind.

In South Africa, the digital divide is evident in the contrast between urban and rural areas, as well as between wealthy and poor communities. In affluent suburbs, residents enjoy high-speed internet, access to the latest devices, and the skills to navigate the digital world effectively. In contrast, many township communities are densely populated and lack basic internet infrastructure. When access is available, it is not accessible to all due to network overload and the high cost of data. The lack of digital literacy further compounds the problem, as many people are not equipped with the skills needed to leverage technology for education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

The consequences of this digital divide are far-reaching. In education, students in well-connected schools can access a wealth of online resources, participate in virtual classrooms, and benefit from personalised learning experiences. On the other side of the tracks, students in under-resourced schools struggle with overcrowded classrooms, outdated textbooks, and limited access to qualified teachers.

In the job market, careers of the future are dependent on digital skills. Many jobs require above-average technological competencies. Without access to technology and the internet, individuals from marginalised communities are at a disadvantage when it comes to acquiring these much-needed skills and competing in the job market. Power outages caused by illegal electrical connections and cable theft are symptomatic of the social ills plaguing townships across South Africa. This perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality, as those without digital skills are excluded from economic opportunities.

Addressing the digital divide requires an innovative approach. Infrastructure development is critical to ensuring that all communities have access to reliable, high-speed internet. This involves investing in internet networks, particularly in underserved areas, and making internet access affordable for all.

What is required is not only the hardware and software, but also training for teachers to integrate technology into their teaching effectively.

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The Fourth Industrial Revolution presents an opportunity to address some of the pressing challenges facing our world. However, for its benefits to be realised by all, we must take steps to ensure everyone is included. This requires a commitment to digital inclusion and a recognition of the connection between technological progress and social equity.

This will only be possible if we address the digital divide and ensure that everyone can participate in and benefit from technological advancements. By investing in infrastructure, education, and community-driven solutions, we can create a more inclusive future for all South Africans.