More needs to be done to tackle digital inequality
The pandemic has highlighted continued unequal access to digital services despite the government’s initiatives
If there is one lesson the coronavirus has taught us, it is how interconnected our lives are. SA is among the most unequal societies in the world, with the top 1% of SA earners taking home almost 20% of all income in the country while the top 10% take home 65%. The remaining 90% of SA earners get just 35% of total income.
The recent virus outbreak has highlighted yet another type of inequality — that of the growing unequal access to digital services in our country. Social distancing has disrupted the world as it used to be and brought the virtual world to the fore. Video conferencing and streaming have become part of our daily lives. The reality of social distancing has caused most people and organisations to go online as a means of staying connected, educating pupils and students, and conducting business. Access to technologies that enable online business and other transactions are critical to mitigate the severe negative effect the lockdown has had on our society and econo...
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