Faith Tevera/Delight Sibanda

Lack of access to computers, smartphones and the internet is slowing down development in rural areas, a radio show hosted by Community Podium has revealed.

Areas such as Binga, Gwanda, Matobo, Mawabeni and Tsholotsho are  missing out on vital information due to lack of modern technology.

Descent Dube from Matobo Youth Development Trust highlighted that school children in most rural areas are excluded in the new curriculum which demands use of technology and the internet.Dube said the poor network coverage has made online learning impossible and “…stakeholders should come up with a strategy to help  the children in rural areas.” He said the expensive data is now beyond the reach of many. 

Tsholotsho’s Ward 11 Councilor, Jonathan Ndlovu from Ward 11 stressed that people of all age groups including the elderly need to be exposed to modern technology.  , “The digital divide is not only confined to the shortage of smartphones and laptops. Some people in my area have phones but there is network coverage,” he said.

Ndlovu added that because of network challenges, villagers rely on old ways of accessing information and communication such as listening to the radio and writing letters even though they were not quick enough.

According to Ndlovu, e-learning is impossible for children in Tsholotsho. “…since  banks have also adopted new ways such as application of bank loans via email ,Tsholotsho people are not able to do that even if some  have smartphones because of network problems,” he said.

Aleck Ndlovu, a resident of Gwanda said the digital divide negatively affects the passing on of vital information such as voter education. “During  the election season, social media should be a major tool used for voter education. People should know the political parties or contesting candidates so as to make informed decisions,” said Ndlovu

Thando Gwinji, Managing Director of Youth (YIT) blamed the lack of citizen participation in the ongoing Public Parliamentary Hearings on lack of access to information.

Mthokozisi Mzingaye Moyo from Ulwazi Technology suggested that cheaper social media platforms should be used to close the digital divide gap.

“People can use social media platforms such as Whatsapp since it is the most affordable. It is important for each household to have a mobile device which accesses Whatsapp,” he said.

The Ilihlo Lemaphandleni show is hosted by Community Podium on Skyz Metro FM every thursday from 13:00-14:00 hrs.