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In 2003, representatives of member states of the United Nations met and declared their "common desire and commitment to build a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society, where everyone can create, access, utilise and share information and knowledge, enabling individuals, communities and peoples to achieve their full potential in promoting sustainable development and improving their quality of life, premised on purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and respecting fully and upholding the Universal Declarations of Human Rights." (Braithwaite, et al., 2006:3). The creation of this society is enabled by the rapid deployment of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs). The purpose of this work is to advocate some parameters for a plan of action for NGOs in the North West province of South Africa and Africa as a whole, to move towards an Information Society. Its aim is to suggest a framework for thinking about ICTs and their role in combating poverty and promoting development.

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Ahanda, Estelle
Estelle Ahanda is a communication, public relations and events management consultant, as well as a TV/content producer. She holds a Masters of Arts (MA) in communication (with a specialization in marketing, public relations and advertising) from North West University in South Africa.

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