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Paper short abstract:

Abstract The advent Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) has brought the rapid transformation of communication from analogue to digital.

Paper long abstract:

Abstract

The advent Information Communication technologies (ICTs) has brought rapid transformation of communication from analog to digital. ICTs provide the platform for the convergence of telecommunication, the internet, artificial intelligence (AI) and its social application, thus usage of smartphones has become a tool for rural development and the implementation of M-government, subsequent, e-governance. Thus, narrowing the gap in access to information, and paving way for economic openness, as it will provide cheap access to modern technology is imperative towards service delivery. Individuals within the development communication process are regarded as agents of change, not just recipients of a development initiative, but active participants and contributors of knowledge and information. Therefore, Information Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D), refers to “theories of Change”, that are not about the designation of technologies and diffusion but a multifaceted, dynamic, and contentious socio-economic and technological process, with communities at the forefront of the recipient of the change. This study employs a qualitative techniques and purposeful sampling to gather data. The study found that the North-West province does not communicate adequately with its communities thereby failing to achieve their objective towards rural communities of the province. The study recommends that the use of smartphones and M-technology in all provincial departments would enhance their service deliveries and that the introduction of digital platforms such as North-West Service Delivery App and the introduction of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are essential for effective and efficient socio-economic and technological development of the rural communities within the province.