Factors Influencing the Potential Adoption of Social Media for Citizen-Based Monitoring in South Africa

Social media platforms have globally transformed governance, serving as vital tools for real-time communication, transparency, and public engagement. These platforms are widely used in South Africa for government-citizen communication and engagement. Still, their application in citizen-based monitoring (CBM)—a participatory governance mechanism that enables citizens to monitor public service delivery and hold governments accountable—remains unrealized. Despite South Africa’s relatively high internet penetration rate of 68% and widespread social media adoption, systemic, institutional, and socio-economic barriers hinder its use for CBM. This study explores the factors influencing the potential adoption of social media for CBM in South Africa, offering insights into the opportunities and constraints shaping this emerging governance tool. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research incorporates qualitative data from interviews with government officials, media representatives, and civic organizations alongside quantitative findings from a citizen survey. The study identifies critical barriers, including unequal access to digital infrastructure, limited digital literacy among citizens and government officials, the absence of policy frameworks for social media governance, and socio-economic disparities perpetuating a digital divide. Moreover, trust deficits between citizensand government institutions present significant challenges to adopting social media for participatory monitoring. However, the research also highlights enabling factors, such as growing digital adoption, isolated cases of innovative practices, and an increasing recognition of social media’s potential to enhance governance accountability. This study contributes to the discourse on digital governance by examining the factors influencing social media adoption for CBM in South Africa. It provides actionable recommendations, including investing in digital literacy programs, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering trust through participatory policy frameworks. By contextualizing South Africa’s experience within the broader African governance landscape, the research lays a foundation for future strategies to harness social media’s potential in bridging the gap between citizens and governments through monitoring and accountability initiatives.