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This article examines the load-shedding crisis in South Africa, primarily emphasising its disruption of digital development and its hindrance to the nation's ability to fulfil the requirements of digitalisation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The report aimed to evaluate the impact of digitalisation on community development following COVID-19. The South African government has implemented strategies aimed at addressing the crises of unequal access to digital resources in communities; however, the ongoing load-shedding crisis continues to hinder progress by imposing daily power cuts, thereby exacerbating the digital divide. It is essential to acknowledge that COVID-19 has compelled the government and private sector organisations to transition into the digital era, where operations are conducted without physical presence, relying on technical innovations. The research concluded that the government has insufficiently addressed the issue of load-shedding, now referred to as load-reduction, and has demonstrated an incapacity to implement effective systems to respond to the crises. The study contends that the issue of load-shedding in South Africa can be mitigated if the government invests in nations with sufficient energy connectivity to support digital advancement. The study asserts that the nation will lag in benefiting from digitalisation unless the obstacles impeding it are promptly resolved. The study employed a qualitative methodology, enhanced by a critical evaluation and analysis of secondary data obtained from electronic documents. The study substantially identifies deficiencies related to the load-shedding issues and proposes ways to aid the government in effectively addressing these crises, ensuring equitable access to technology, and bridging the South African digital divide.

The primary aim of this study was to assess the demand for internet services before and during the Covid-19 pandemic, considering the challenges and opportunities brought about by the global health crisis. While the pandemic has had numerous negative impacts on people's lives, it has also facilitated advancements in technology, particularly the adoption of the 4th industrial revolution. To explore the positive impacts of these technological advancements, the study focused on analysing changes in household internet usage using the 2019 and 2021 General Household Survey data obtained from STATS SA. The study examined the shifts in internet usage between the two data sets and found a modest increase in internet usage over time. To further investigate the determinants of household internet usage, the study employed descriptive analysis, cross-tabulations, and a binary logistic regression model. Income, age, household size, and gender were used as independent variables, while internet usage served as the dependent variable. The results revealed that all the independent variables were statistically significant factors influencing the probability of internet usage. Income and household size demonstrated a positive relationship with internet usage, indicating that higher levels of income and larger household sizes were associated with increased demand for internet services. Conversely, the age of the household head showed a negative effect on internet usage, suggesting that as individuals grew older, their likelihood of using the internet decreased. Additionally, the study found that male-headed households exhibited higher levels of internet usage compared to their female counterparts. To ensure that digital inclusion is prioritized, it is crucial for authorities to ensure that internet access is accessible to low-income households. Addressing the disparity in internet usage between higher and lower-income households is essential. Government regulators can encourage broadband providers to expand affordable internet access, while reducing administrative burdens to facilitate network deployment, thereby supporting the current levels of internet usage, and promoting further growth. By considering these findings, policymakers and stakeholders can develop strategies to bridge the digital divide and ensure equal access to internet services for all segments of society. This will contribute to a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape, fostering social and economic development in the medium to long term.