The role of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) in enabling eGovernment in a metropolitan area

Abstract

The study examines the role that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can play in order to make e-government possible in the metropolitan areas of the Republic of South Africa. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the current state of e-government in the metropolitan areas and any challenges that are encountered in rolling out e-government. Recommendations are made on how the challenges encountered can be addressed to speed up the implementation of e-government. The literature review on e-government focused on the definition of e-government and related terminology and examined the role it plays in the ordinary life of the citizens. Challenges facing e-government in South Africa and Africa in general were addressed through the literature review and the study also looked at how other technologically advanced countries have dealt the issues of e-governance to formulate the recommendations and any lessons to be learned. The study focused on ICT officials across eight metropolitan municipalities in the country. From a total of 160 questionnaires sent out to the different municipalities; 130 were returned of which103 were returned fully completed, 27 were rejected and the remaining 30 questionnaires were not returned by the participants. The completed questionnaires were then sent for statistical analysis to the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus where they were tested for reliability of the data by using the Cronbach alpha technique. The mean and standard deviations of the responses were tested as well. The conclusions are based on literature, data analysis and interpretation. Recommendations are made from information gathered across the different topics associated with e-government in the study. In the recommendations, it is proposed that a base framework for e-government be crafted. This framework should include all key factors required for standardised, successful implementations.