Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Democracy Development in the South: Potential and Current Reality

Abstract Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been touted as bringing new options to democracy development. This paper explores some of the potential and current reality of using ICTs to strengthen democracy development in South Africa. Focus is on a project of the Institute for Democracy in South Africa that has sought to make use of ICTs in an applicable, appropriate and useful way in an African context. Some history of the project is given, including existing electronic products aimed at facilitating public participation and providing access to information. Also, some anecdotal evidence of impact is explored. The paper articulates lessons learned and difficulties encountered in the context of using ICTs for democracy development in the South. It concludes that there is a place for ICTs in democracy development, that access to information does play a crucial role in informing citizens about government activities, and thus encouraging people to engage with decision makers on issues of governance.