Exploring the DESA Report: South Africa's digital engagement and transformation

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) has unveiled the findings of the Digital Engagement in South Africa (DESA) report, an extensive study that explores how South Africans are adapting to the nation’s rapid digital transformation.

Conducted in partnership with imec-MICT from Ghent University and imec-SMIT from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, the report is backed by the Flemish Interuniversity Council – University Development Cooperation (VLIR-UOS) and draws attention to the urgency of addressing digital inequality in the 21st century.

This insightful document not only highlights South Africa’s key digital transformation priorities but also mirrors a broader global momentum towards inclusive, people-centred digital development. The report aligns with essential agendas, including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy, which advocate for equitable participation in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Although access to technology has surged in South Africa, the DESA report argues that fostering an inclusive digital society necessitates more than just connectivity. Disparities in digital skills, meaningful use of technology, and outcomes remain pervasive. The study highlights the importance of building citizens’ confidence, resilience, and support systems, enabling them to engage fully in a world increasingly defined by digital interactions.

To achieve this, the DESA survey actively engaged a representative sample across four key provinces—Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and the Western Cape—through in-person interviews. This approach ensured comprehensive participation to gather authentic insights. The DESA framework utilises both local and global benchmarks, including Belgium’s Digimeter, assessing not only access and skills but also digital well-being, resilience, attitudes, and support systems. This multi-faceted approach provides a detailed portrayal of digital engagement across various demographics.

Key Findings and Insights

• Quality over access: The study reveals that digital inequality is increasingly driven by the quality of connectivity rather than mere access. The extensive use of smartphones can often mask the constrained engagement stemming from reliance on limited devices.
• Action without evaluation: A concerning gap in media literacy persists, with 71% of respondents expressing confidence in locating information online, yet only 42% routinely assess its trustworthiness.
• Digital natives not fully prepared: The report highlights that many young adults, aged between 18 and 34, demonstrate a limited understanding and engagement with emerging technologies, including A.I.
• Distinct digital engagement profiles: The research categorises respondents into four profiles: the largest group, Digitally Peripheral, comprises older adults, rural dwellers, and those from lower-income backgrounds, while a third identify as Digitally Immersed, characterised by high confidence and active engagement in digital spaces.

The DESA report serves as a vital evidence base for policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders, emphasising the need for initiatives that cultivate confidence, resilience, and meaningful participation among all demographics. By pinpointing who is digitally empowered and who risks exclusion, the study challenges common narratives surrounding digital inclusion, supporting targeted interventions for more equitable access to digital resources. UWC's commitment to this research reinforces its role in fostering national policy dialogue, thereby enhancing South Africa’s readiness for an increasingly digital future.