From information to engagement: exploring communication platforms for the government-citizen interface in South Africa
SOURCE: The African Journal of Information and Communication (AJIC)
OUTPUT TYPE: Journal Article
PUBLICATION YEAR: 2015
TITLE AUTHOR(S): E.Vivier, D.Seabe, M.Wentzel, D.Sanchez
KEYWORDS: COMMUNICATIONS, GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY, PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
DEPARTMENT: Developmental, Capable and Ethical State (DCES)
Print: HSRC Library: shelf number 8982
HANDLE: 20.500.11910/1645
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11910/1645
OUTPUT TYPE: Journal Article
PUBLICATION YEAR: 2015
TITLE AUTHOR(S): E.Vivier, D.Seabe, M.Wentzel, D.Sanchez
KEYWORDS: COMMUNICATIONS, GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY, PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
DEPARTMENT: Developmental, Capable and Ethical State (DCES)
Print: HSRC Library: shelf number 8982
HANDLE: 20.500.11910/1645
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11910/1645
If you would like to obtain a copy of this Research Output, please contact Hanlie Baudin at researchoutputs@hsrc.ac.za.
Abstract
An effective communication interface between government and citizens can strengthen government responsiveness and deepen citizen engagement. Such communication and information exchange takes many formats, especially given the various platforms and technologies available. This article situates communication options and strategies in the context of: reported challenges around engagement practices; expressed public preferences for particular communication platforms; and existing barriers to ICTs and other infrastructures in South Africa. Using both qualitative and quantitative data, the research reported here explores two questions: What are the most suitable platforms to improve government-citizen communication in South Africa? How could ICTs and other platforms be better used to promote improved communication and more meaningful citizen engagement around public services? We argue for a differentiated approach to communicating with citizens that acknowledges social realities and preferences if technology is to benefit socio-economic processes in a democratic South Africa.-
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