News

Potential for self-service growth in South Africa

October 26, 2003

JOHANNESBURG -- The South African government has a mandate to educate citizens and officials have expressed interest in using self-service technology, but the kiosk market has unique challenges that are a direct result of the diversity of the demographics of the region in terms of literacy levels, low technology adoption rates, poor infrastructures, high HIV/AIDS statistics and crime rates.

According to an article on AllAfrica.com, the country faces steep political changes, and the government is under pressure to provide the majority of the population with the most basic services that include easier access to information. The empowerment of people through information and knowledge provides an excellent platform for self-service terminal (SST) and kiosk solutions to government and service organizations, the article said.

In addition, corporations are faced with steep competitive issues. The only place where bottom line improvements can be made is through leaner and meaner infrastructures, the more effective use of technology and an increased focus on customer service and retention.

"All of these critical business and government issues can be addressed through the clever implementation and use of SST's and kiosk application solutions," said Nico Oosthuisen, chief executive officer of Tecor Group Ltd.

The kiosk industry is an emerging one, with a mix of established companies and other players seeking to stake their claim within the market.

The kiosk market continues to grow rapidly, and according to the Summit Research Associates' 2002 edition of its flagship report "Kiosk and Internet Technology," the number of kiosks deployed worldwide is expected to increase by 75.6 percent by 2005.