Africa’s way forward requires integration, democracy, good governance, participation and
inclusive communication of all issues. Intergovernmental organizations are essential to
facilitate the above mentioned goals. New thinking highlights the role of new media especially
the Internet in democracy and governance in Africa. Therefore, the question solicited here is
whether e-governance facilitates continental governance in Africa and under what
circumstances would this be possible?
This research introduced the internet (web) as a distinct medium of communications with
distinct features and characteristics. A number of scholars argue that the Internet as a distinct
medium of communication can better facilitate the democratizing role of the media in society,
while others argues that the internet has not changed the nature of politics since ordinary
politics in all its complexity and vitality has invaded and captured cyberspace. These
arguments are divided respectively between Technological Determinism and the Social
Shaping of Technology.
This research investigates (AU, EU and Nepad) e-governance websites in order to understand
practices, prospects and challenges of continental e-governance systems. It was found that the
AU and Nepad use the websites for institutional information rather than interaction with
citizens and online service delivery. However, significant steps are taken to enhance interaction
in Nepad. It is therefore recommended that, the AU and Nepad need to invest time and
commitment in enhancing interactivity and rising awareness for these e-governance systems.
As projected, EU performs much better than the above two in terms of interactivity. This is
because it has more experience and internet penetration and uses is widespread in Europe than
it is here in Africa.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/4768 |
| Date | 21 April 2008 |
| Creators | Mukhudwana, Rofhiwa Felicia |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 3695906 bytes, 19076 bytes, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf |
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