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services, such as voice-over internet protocol. Although Telkom's fixed-line
monopoly officially ended in 2002, it is hoped that the granting of the licence
will bring some competition into the industry.
9.5 leTs and the enhancement of rural women's economic and
social welfare standards
Survey findings indicated that an average of 91.5% of the respondents in
both rural KZN (South Africa) and rural RVP (Kenya) felt that leTs
(particularly the radio and TV) play a major role in helping women keep
abreast of current events within and beyond their borders. This was followed
closely by the need to keep in touch with family and friends (81.0% in South
Africa and 87.0% in Kenya). To most respondents, the mobile phone was
particularly useful in the latter. As mentioned earlier in chapter 7.3 under
types of ICfs used, the cell-phone has a clear advantage over the
telephone, as 15% of the respondents use it, compared to 10.2% who use
the telephone in South Africa, while in Kenya, the cell-phone has a
comparative advantage over the telephone as it is used by 12.8% of the
respondents. The latter is used by only 4.0%.
Other social factors cited as important by the respondents include the ability
to listen to music and other entertaining programs. With the help of ICfs,
this service recorded the highest result overall, with 94.0% for Kenya and
71.5% for South Africa.
Evidently, the radio plays a crucial role in enhancing the social and welfare
standards of marginalised rural woman. This ability by the radio to enhance
the quality of life of rural women is shared by IIboudo (2003:206-208) who
affirms that the radio has the capacity to enable the broad participation of
men and women within a local community. This is because it is cheap and
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