The
Republic of South Africa begins its contribution with a reference to
a very distinguished member of South African civil society delegation, Ms.
Clara Basenjeng Masinga. She personifies an example that the use of ICTs can
result in a constructive possibility of change. South Africa considers that
the biggest challenges of our times are poverty and underdevelopment.
Technologies can be used to reduce inequalities. Therefore it is necessary
to bring every kind of technologies where there is no access. The
construction of an information society implies a pro-active attitude
characterized by planning, developing policies, measures and strategies with
clear time lines; ensuring the development and deployment of technologies;
creating not only special laws but also incorporating measures to protect
children from harmful uses of ICTs, reforming institutions such as post
offices and libraries.
South Africa pays a special tribute to the women and men that have made the
advances in technology and to the private sector that, through its
investment in research and development, has contributed to developing the
information society. Media equally play an instrumental and effective role
in building an inclusive information society.