Abstract:
Despite that Khudze Multipurpose Community Telecentre has been
operating for over five years, observations showed that it is used by a few people.
This study empirically investigated the usage of Khudze Multipurpose Community
Telecentre. Specifically, it examined the Telecentre’s usage patterns; benefits of
using it; and reasons why some community members do not use the Telecentre.
Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from users, non-users and the
Telecentre management. The study reveals that the Telecentre is mostly used by
males, youths, the average educated and students. The users benefit by improving
their knowledge and skills; reduce travelling costs and time to access the same
services; improving social interaction and improving communication. Despite these
benefits, the Telecentre usage is low due to illiteracy, lack of awareness of the
existence of the Telecentre and its importance, technophobia, lack of interest among
community members, lack of unique services in the Telecentre and lack of skills of
using the Telecentre. The Telecentre Management and Government should address
the factors to increase its usage.
