Message from the ACEIE Director

In May 2012, the African Centre of Excellence for Information Ethics (ACEIE) was established at the University of Pretoria. This collaborative initiative between the South African Department of Communications, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and various universities across Africa is housed by the Department of Information Science in the School of Information Technology. 

The establishment of this Centre was necessitated by various converging factors in the so called new Information Society. The rollout of broadband in South Africa and Africa made information more readily available. The ongoing construction of various submarine cables, including SEACOM, directly contributed to the expansion of broadband capacity and thus access to information on the continent. The growth in personal electronic communication and information management in general contributed significantly to the need for safe access to safe information. In addressing the challenges that make us vulnerable in the Information Society the development of personal skills and management of e-skills, e-learning, e-governance as well as information ethics become vital. In summary Information Ethics guide us in all matters of human behavior that will ensure safe access to safe information for all individuals that form part of the Information Society. The Centre therefore aims to create awareness and skills that will guide all participants towards behavior that will ensure digital wellness and a joyful existence in the Information Society.

Mr Coetzee Bester

Director: ACEIE

Chairperson: IFAP South Africa