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GOVERNMENT SERVICES
Make the connection
But what if I don't have easy access to a computer or the Internet? Or what if my computer hasn't got the right software? Don't give up: government is taking steps to help you cross the "digital divide". And once you've done this, there are some free online resources that might help you.
Don't forget the traditional route!
In many cases, the traditional lines of contact - Phone/fax, post, personal contact - are still the best. In some cases, they remain the only lines of contact. And even when dealing with government via e-mail or the Internet, you will often need to back this up by phoning, posting or faxing letters or documents, or going to the nearest government office to speak to a government official in person. See:
What if I don't have regular access to the Internet or e-mail?
The government is striving
to increase access to telephones, e-mail and the Internet - and to provide the basic literacy required to communicate via these media - among remote and disadvantaged communities.
- Multi-Purpose Community Centres
Multi-Purpose Community Centres (MPCCs) are "one-stop shops" through which communities can access government services, information technology and training. 14 MPCCs have been launched so far, and the government plans eventually to have one MPCC per municipality across South Africa.
- Public Information Terminals
Public Information Terminals (PITs) are multi-media kiosks offering public access to a range of electronic services and information. You'll find them in a
number of Post Offices and other sites around the country. Over 90 of them have been installed so far.
Will I need any special software on my computer?
Apart from the Internet browser you're now using, and an e-mail account, you may need a couple of programmes that you can download onto your computer for free.
- Free e-mail
If you don't have an e-mail account with an Internet service provider - or you do, but you want a separate e-mail address - you can register for a free web-based e-mail account with:
- Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files
Large documents are often published on the Internet in Adobe PDF format. Adobe Acrobat Reader software is needed to view and print Adobe PDF documents. You can download the programme for free here.
- Shockwave/Flash animation
A few government sites use Shockwave/Flash for enhanced visuals or animation - and a few of these do not offer you the option of viewing the site without Shockwave/Flash. If you want to see the Shockwave/Flash version, you can download the programme for free here.
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