Abstract:

Digital transformation and advancement are necessary economic drivers that South Africa should implement if the country will be a relevant trading partner that keeps up with the pace of global technological developments. In this digital era of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and artificial intelligence (AI), digital skills are progressively important. The advancement of the digital economy is critical for South Africa to develop rapidly so that South Africa can trade with countries with digitally advanced and inclusive economies. To prepare society and the workforce for digital transformation and an inclusive economy, South Africa should formulate and implement digitally transformative technology policies to enhance productivity and the much-needed economic growth. The digital divide still exists in the country but is declining while access to communication technology by South African citizens is improving, according to the 2022 Census data. Data for this article were collected through content analysis of government policy and programme documents, speeches of key government officials, and other relevant national literature such as the Census 2022 data. The methodology is both quantitative and qualitative, as is the nature of the research method, content analysis. The conclusion of this paper is that further research be conducted on the digital divide to assist the government to develop and implement the most effective strategies to close the digital divide nationally. It is recommended that the government should recognize that technology advancement is not only government responsibility. Therefore, the government should invite the private sector to invest in broadband that can efficaciously eliminate the digital divide.

Keywords:

South Africa, Digital Divide, Technology Policies, Digital Transformation, Inclusive Growth, Technology Diffusion, High Unemployment Rate.