By: Chané Fraser

In South Africa, many young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are still excluded from the benefits of information and communications technology (ICT) due to poor infrastructure and the digital divide. One of the most significant barriers is the high cost of mobile data, which makes it difficult for young people in low-income areas to access the internet. For context, the average cost of 1GB of mobile data in South Africa is $4.30—far higher than in other BRICS countries, where it costs only $1.01 in Brazil, $0.61 in China, $0.52 in Russia, and just $0.09 in India.

This steep cost puts the internet out of reach for many young South Africans, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Even though network operators continue to invest in infrastructure, access to quality internet remains financially inaccessible for the majority of citizens. While many families in South Africa understand the importance of digital skills, most young people are gaining their digital literacy informally, outside of the classroom.

The Digital Skills Gap and Employment Challenges

Research shows that most job seekers in South Africa lack the skills needed to search for employment opportunities effectively on digital platforms. In the first quarter of 2020, a staggering 34.1% of South Africans aged 15 to 24 were neither in education, employment, nor training (NEET), equating to 3.5 million young people. Expanding the age range to 15-34 years, this number climbed to 41.7%, or 20.4 million people.

With the shift from traditional industries to a digital economy, ICT literacy is becoming an essential skill for young people looking to enter the workforce. Without these skills, many remain excluded from the opportunities available in today’s digital economy, preventing them from securing jobs and contributing to the country’s economic growth.

Challenges Faced by Youth in Accessing ICT

Our study in Gauteng province explored how digital literacy skills could improve the lives of young job seekers. The research found that while many young people recognize the importance of digital skills, there are significant barriers preventing them from effectively using ICT for job searches. The high cost of internet access and a lack of knowledge about how to navigate digital platforms are major obstacles.

Some respondents shared that they couldn’t search for jobs online due to limited or no internet access, while others struggled because they lacked the digital literacy skills required. The study also found that only 56% of participants had ever attended a digital literacy program, leaving 44% without formal training in digital skills. For many from poorer households, the financial barrier to accessing training or even basic internet services is a huge hindrance.

Interestingly, some young people without formal training had managed to teach themselves how to search for jobs and access information through trial and error, simply because they had access to the internet. This highlights the resilience and self-motivation of these young individuals to overcome barriers and develop their digital skills on their own.

The Need for Supportive Infrastructure and Policies

Moving forward, it is clear that South Africa’s government needs to create more supportive structures and policies that can help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds engage in the digital economy. Given the country's historical inequalities, not everyone has had the same opportunities to access ICT, and therefore solutions must be tailored to address these unique challenges.

Young people need access to environments where they can continuously develop their digital skills—whether through formal programs or informal learning. Government-led initiatives to provide digital skills centres and affordable, reliable internet access would help young people stay relevant in a rapidly changing job market. These efforts are crucial in ensuring that youth are equipped with the skills needed to compete for jobs and contribute to South Africa’s economic growth.

In conclusion, bridging the digital divide in South Africa is not just about providing access to technology but also ensuring that young people are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in a digital economy. Through targeted policies, investment in infrastructure, and support for skill development, South Africa can unlock the potential of its youth and prepare them for the future of work.

⁎ Reference Article Link: https://theconversation.com/young-south-africans-are-shut-out-from-work-they-need-a-chance-to-get-digital-skills-142756