Abstract
This study explored the challenges encountering people with disabilities in e-Governance applications and service delivery in South Africa. The key challenges identified relates to social barriers which hinders people with disabilities’ participation and equal enjoyments of technological accessibility. A qualitative exploratory research was conducted at two National Departments in Tshwane (Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) and at the Organisation of People with Disability. Seventeen participants were purposively sampled. Semi-structured interview guides were used to generate data. The study found that the social barriers that people with disabilities encounters limits them to have equal access and opportunity in today’s digital world. People with disabilities are more often left behind or found to be digitally excluded and faces a disability stigma in relation to access to and use of digital technologies. The study found that the successful implementation of e-Governance can enhance participation, equity and inclusiveness, efficient and effective service delivery to all citizens. The study also discusses various social barriers that hinders participation of persons with disability and recommends the social transformation, the inclusion of persons with disability and removal of barriers to ensure equal participation. The study findings contribute to the understanding and development of the different perspective of the disability inclusion concept. The findings also contribute to the knowledge of the role of e-Governance in promoting social inclusion and the delivery of quality services. The study concluded that for the e-Governance applications to be successful and reach every person, the government, civil society, and private sector need to work together to promote electronic services and establish a strong ICT infrastructure in every municipality. The study also recommended that the government needs to conduct a civic education that educates the public on the rights of persons with disabilities, the significance of implementing legislation and policy frameworks on the rights of persons with disabilities.
Keywords: Persons with Disabilities; Inclusion, Service Delivery, Digital Divide, Equal Rights and Opportunities, E-Governance and South Africa.