When we talk about digital inclusion, the conversation often starts and ends with laptops, tablets, or smartphones. But here’s the thing: while the majority of South African households own mobile phones, many don’t have steady access to laptops — let alone reliable internet or quiet spaces to work.
According to the 2023 General Household Survey, 96.1% of households own at least one mobile phone, and South Africa had over 118 million active smartphones by early 2024 — with a penetration rate exceeding 195%. But don’t be fooled: owning a phone doesn’t mean owning a smartphone with internet access. A Pew Research study found only about 51% of adults own smartphones, while an additional 40% rely on basic mobile phones without internet capabilities.
That’s a huge difference.
So why do so many digital programmes act like having a laptop or steady internet connection is a given?
No laptop? No problem. True digital inclusion isn’t about handing out devices. It’s about designing digital solutions that fit real lives — messy, resourceful, and full of hustle.
What does designing for real lives actually look like?
- Mobile-first and low-data: Most people use smartphones, but many still have limited data or basic feature phones. Digital content must be light, quick to load, and easy to access without draining expensive data bundles.
- Offline and asynchronous options: Not everyone can join live Zoom calls or stream videos without interruptions. Downloadable, text-based, or audio content that learners can access anytime keeps people connected, even with patchy internet.
- Simplicity over sophistication: Digital tools should be easy to navigate, even for beginners. Complex platforms with multiple logins or jargon-filled instructions create barriers rather than bridges.
- Support and respect: Digital literacy is not automatic. Training and support must be culturally and contextually relevant — not just assuming people “get it.” Solutions should empower users without making them feel like second-class citizens because they don’t have the latest gadgets or fastest connections.
Digital exclusion isn’t just a hardware problem. It’s a design problem — and a respect problem.
If we keep designing digital solutions for the privileged few, millions will stay behind.
Digital inclusion means meeting people where they are — with what they need to thrive, not just survive.
Because real lives don’t pause for WiFi. Real lives don’t wait for laptops.