International and national data made available during the past few years indicate access
to and use of information and communication technology (ICT) and services is declining in
South Africa. In the past, South Africa led African countries in terms of ICT infrastructure
development and access. However, more recent ICT statistics indicate other African countries,
such as Nigeria, Mauritius, and Tunisia are advancing faster than South Africa. The World
Economic Forum Global Information and Communication Report (2012) states the sub-Saharan
African region still has the least developed ICT infrastructure in the world, and has a severe lack
of ICT skills. Having considered the Southern African ICT infrastructure deficiencies, this article
captures and evaluates ICT policy and regulatory interventions instituted by South Africa toward
the creation of an information society (IS). This article provides a brief historical background on
ICT access and use in South Africa, identifies stakeholders engaged in transforming South Africa
into an information society, and evaluates South Africa's progress toward becoming an
information society by comparing levels of public access to, and usage of, ICT in South Africa
with that of selected African countries and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South
Africa) countries.