This dissertation investigates the societal implications of technology choices for the emerging e-education transformation of the South African basic education sector. In October 2015, then President Jacob Zuma launched Operation Phakisa Education (OPE), an initiative designed behind closed doors
to fast-track digital education into all South African public schools. This study identifies and analyzes policy choices and perspectives regarding the technology considered and deployed for the national e-education rollout. It documents the OPE proposal, and examines how e-education policy choices relate to humanitarian objectives. See
A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
of
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
RHODES UNIVERSITY
by
Michael Kwet
March 2019
