Bringing M-government to South African Citizens: Policy Framework, Delivery Challenges and Opportunities

The paper aims to provide a framework for m-government deployment in South Africa. It examines major factors affecting m-government use by citizens, business and government; and it highlights implementation challenges. The paper argues that synergy between e and m-government should be exploited to avoid unnecessary duplication of services. Sustainability of m-government depends on its ability to provide value-added services. Healthy mgovernment program depends upon national strategy, infrastructure support, appropriate technology platform, low access cost, and increased awareness generation especially for citizens in underserved areas. It cautions that real success comes from universal access to services and the provision of low cost services through increased competition.