Urgent call for input to ICT Empowerment Charter

The ICT Empowerment Charter is intended to address the impact of historical imbalances in South Africa by promoting the transformation of the ICT sector. The fourth draft of the Charter, published last week, represents a significant step in the right direction. However, while industry players have actively engaged in the drafting process, the document has so far not benefited from the input of civil society. This is not because the Working Group does not desire this input, but there has been little opportunity for civil society organisations to participate, and many people are simply not aware of the process.

The importance of the Charter has been recognised by bridges.org, the Institute for Democracy in South Africa (IDASA), SANGONeT and many other civil society and non-governmental organisations in South Africa that use ICT as part of their efforts for socio-economic development. ICT offers the potential to help people overcome obstacles, and it can be a key enabler for development. It can reward those who use it well with increased income, better quality of life, and cultural and political advantages. But those who do not use it are left behind, and ICT disparities exacerbate existing inequalities. Poverty is no longer merely the lack of income or financial resources, but has become a problem of access, including access to information, services and infrastructure, and political processes and decision-making.

The ICT Charter should be about empowerment for all, not just within business. The current draft focuses on addressing employment and ownership imbalances, but it is crucial that the final document sent to Government looks at ICT empowerment more broadly. ICT has the potential to change the future in South Africa. And there is still a chance for ordinary people to influence the way the Charter is written.

The Working Group has asked for comments on the current draft by 17 September 2004, for a further revision before the final document is presented to Government on 30 September. Bridges.org, IDASA, and other concerned groups and individuals in the Western Cape believe that ordinary citizens must be given the chance to put forward civil society views on the Charter, even at this late stage.

A public meeting will be held at IDASA's office at 6 Spin Street in Cape Town on Wednesday 8 September at 9h00-13h00 to which individuals and organisations are invited. Written comments will be accepted from those who cannot attend the meeting, up to 17h00 on Friday 10 September. Input will be summarised by bridges.org and IDASA, and presented to the Working Group by the deadline.

For further information on the ICT Charter, see http://www.bridges.org/e-policy/sa/ICT_charter_draft4.pdf