Mbabane – The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has trained 61 persons in preparation for a data collection survey that will commence on Monday.
The three weeks training of the survey candidates was held at Esibayeni Lodge.
The Eswatini Information, Communication and Technology access and usage survey will be the first of its kind in the country as revealed by the Acting Chief Executive Officer Ozzie Thakatha when making his remarks during the event.
He stated that the survey will assist the country in terms of establishing the level of access and usage of ICT services and products by households and individuals in Eswatini.
The survey will also be used to evaluate the demographic dimensions related to the access and the use of ICT products and services in Eswatini.
“Through the survey, we will also be able to examine the extent of online risks, incidents and mitigation measures relating to cybercrime and cybersecurity among other issues that we are facing whilst we are using ICT products and services. We are also going to be able to establish perceptions and the quality of service, affordability of ICT products in the country,” he said.
Thakatha added that the survey will also assist them in making recommendations related to increasing access and use of ICT in Eswatini.
It was highlighted, for example, that Eswatini currently can’t utilise the online platform of buying stuff through the internet because the country does not have codes, which is one area that the survey is looking to fill the gaps.
Central Statistics Office (CSO) Director Amos Zwane encouraged the trainees to maintain a high level of respect when conducting the survey, especially given the current conditions in the country.
“Through this survey, we are aiming to close the gaps that are existing in the ICT sphere and we appeal to the communities to be cooperative and provide the information that is required,” he said.
The trainees were given gear that they will wear as they conduct the survey, which is expected to take at least two months. It will be conducted in all four corners of the region.
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