SA Internet growth. Many South Africans unaccounted for

SA Internet growth - Many South Africans unaccounted for

This post is a follow-up on “South African Internet users double in two years“. According to research group, Nielsen NetRatings, statistics show that South Africa’s Internet use is surging, but many observers say this proves only a limited population segment has Internet access.

In contrast to the growth figures put forth by Nielsen NetRatings, some disagree on these figures.

Chairman of the Internet Society of South Africa, Alan Levin, says the survey findings support a long-held belief that more than 80% of the 44 million South Africans have probably never had an Internet experience.

“Part of the reason for this is because connectivity is still expensive. Another part is due to a general lack of awareness of the Internet, and other reasons are the lack of science and mathematical skills among the population,�? he says.

Hillel Shrock, Internet Solutions business solutions director, says the actual number of people accessing the Internet from SA is probably smaller than the data suggests.

“Many people within the high-end corporate arena, for example, probably have Internet access at work and at home, and that will add to the numbers of unique browsers, but cut down on the number of people actually accessing the Internet,�? he says.

Shrock says telecommunications policy is only part of the reason. He agrees with Levin’s comments about the lack of awareness and dearth of mathematics and science skills among the general population.

In 2006, the Department of Communications director general Lyndall Shope-Mafole bemoaned the lack of ICT awareness among the population. She also pointed out that most Internet content was published in languages other than the mother tongues found in the country.

The survey partly confirms her comments, as it shows English is the primary language spoken at home by 52% of South African Internet users. Afrikaans speakers make up 28% of the Internet population, followed by Zulu with 5%, Xhosa at 4% and Setswana at 3%. The other six official language groups make up 8% of the user base.

Popularity: 45% [?]