Overview of South Africa

This website is dedicated to exploring and analyzing ICT in South Africa. However, before becoming immersed in the South African ICT, it is important to understand the economics and political factors that impact the country. South Africa is composed of nine provinces that cover 1,127 square kilometers.1 Its population, in 2002, was about 40.5 million people, which is about 5% of the total estimated African population of 800 million.2 Its economy is based primarily on mining, agriculture, manufacturing and commerce. Primary exports include mined minerals and gold.3

South Africa is relatively new country, although it has a long history marked with racial inequity. For much of the 20th century, South Africa was governed under apartheid rule. However in April 1994, a major political transformation occurred when the African National Congress was elected to power. In 1996, the Government of National Unity was established, and Nelson Mandela was elected its first President. The second democratic elections took place in 1999, and the African National Congress was elected to power again by an even greater margin. President Mandela was succeeded by his deputy, Thabo Mbeki.

Despite the political advancements South Africa has recently made, its history of apartheid has had lasting social and economic impacts on the nation. The country has one of the highest Gini co-efficients in the world.4 Income subsistence levels are currently less than $200 a month, and the poorest 20% of households (about 27 % of the population), accounts for less than 3% of the total income levels, while the richest 20% of households (about 3% of the population) accounts for approximately 65% of total income production.5

Therefore, it is important to note when accessing this website that a large percentage of the South African population does not have the resources to participate in the nation's ICT. Much of analysis of the following pages only considers the percentage of South Africans who are active contributors to South African ICT. Social and economic implications of the digital divide within South Africa will not be discussed.