Ministry:
 MCST (MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY)
Department Name:
 DIT (DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY)
For DTPS and Media click against the texts
Discussion Points:
That I do not see the usage of IT for its inherent sake.  I see it grow
because of its need to serve the need for access by citizens to
government services (a line to the Government)!
In “Connecting Botswana”, we are more likely to see use of IT grow
(there is reason to use IT for 365 days other than the days they ‘need a
line to the Government’)
In seeing usage of IT grow (emails, websites (content), chatting), it
could attract more population, diversity and economic opportunities
grow – leading to economies of scale for IT industries making economic
opportunities more viable in the country.
Insights from
KSLs:
 Frames:
We provide access to services by citizens (through IT) WHEN and WHERE
possible

FEAR OF REJECTION

Blindspots:
  • Needing to overcome the perception that unless we see someone 'face-
    to-face' to get something done or happen for oneself, it will would not
    happen.  Doing things over the internet is out of the question because I
    cannot see who is "on the other side" and what assurance would I have
    that my needs in the transaction will be fulfilled.  Besides I am more able
    to be sure what the "other party wants" and I would be sure that if I were
    to take the pains to produce them, I am more likely to be assured of the
    service that I require!
  • Needing to overcome the fear of ‘losing my space’ – that by chatting
    and connecting Botswana people would climb "over the walls" I have
    created to protect myself and myself from their needs and demands (for
    my attention, time and money).
  • Having internet would mean this privacy is lost as it "enables"
    encroachment into my and my families’ space should the population
    grow further.  I prefer to keep the walls erected up!
  • Not seeing / allowing populations to grow gets in the way of seeing the
    IT industry grow.
  • Servicing the needs of the community where IT may make a difference
    before seeing the community use IT for eGovernment purposes.
  • It is a double-edged sword!


INTERVENTION (what we are not paying attention to and therefore need more
attention): One’s willingness to engage another layer of media in interactions
with another rather than needing to have face-to-face interactions, is a
function of several factors, including distance, cost of the communication but
perhaps most importantly the levels to which one enjoys a level of trust with
other individuals that could withstand the anonymity which layers of media
such as IT and ICT inherently creates.  This is dependent on:
  • Enjoying a level of quality of life that leads one to begin to appreciate
    an emotional quality of relations with another individual that among
    other things include experiencing joy by the interaction and not  
    perceived for its physical (object) gain only.
  • The more such joys are experienced the greater becomes the levels of
    trust between the individuals the more becomes one’s willingness to use
    IT as a media of interaction (website, emails, chats, etc.) leading to
    learning from each other.  The reverse is also true.
  • The longevity of the media is fueled by individual's willingness to learn
    and explore unchartered waters, a quest for knowledge and
    appreciating that an iCT platform would facilitate the above happening
    by connecting the individual to the network of people around the world.  
    This quest grows over the lifetime of the individual.