Welcome to the Swazi-Media Audience Measurement Survey (Report) Internet Section

Introduction The Internet gives individuals a taste of control – which other media may somehow have to accommodate in the future. Even though initial excitement appears to be wearing off (especially in developed countries and those with intense internet penetration) experts believe that the Internet will drive change – both on its own and in relation to other, established media channels. Although Swaziland has not caught on in the new age of internet & “traditional media” hasn’t quite felt the competitive heat it is interesting to note that this medium is reaching a significant number of people within the country and generally the Swazi market appears to be willing to embrace this new medium.

The age of individuals is a major factor in the adoption and use of this medium, income and level of education were also found to have a positive correlation with Internet access.

Internet penetration in Swaziland

This study reveals that to date 28.5% persons 10+ years has had/ has access to the Internet. This produces an estimate of 228 000. An estimated 80, 940 Internet users in Hhohho and Manzini. 33 516 are in Shiselweni and 32 604 are in Lubombo.

A lot of people do not necessarily access the Internet in their home area but access it in key townS, cities and institutions such as schools (colleges & university) and work place.

Internet penetration amongst men and women in Swaziland

Young people are much less apprehensive about getting to grips with the new media. It is generally a “male thing” although there is a growing army of female surfers especially within ages 15 - 24 years.

Access points for Internet in Swaziland

The highest number of Internet users access it a cafés (12.2% of the population), followed by those who access it at work 8.8% and at schools (high schools, university and colleges and other tertiary institutions), at home 2.8% and other places 2.5%.

From home and at work access is most common amongst people from Hhohho and Manzini. The latter has the highest access from cafes, followed by Hhohho, Lubombo and Shiselweni respectively. Those who access it from school are evenly dispersed across all districts. Most of them are university and college students, they access the internet from schools that are in towns/cities.

Those within ages 15 – 24 years access it from schools mainly but the use of Internet cafés is common within this age group. Ages 25 – 34 years is the highest group that access the internet from cafés but do also access it from work. Ages 35 – 44 years access it from work mainly but do use internet cafes. 35 – 64 years access it from work mainly and only a smaller number from cafés when comparing with the other younger age groups. There is also a slight increase within at home access within this age group.

Common uses of the Internet in Swaziland

 

While the Internet is having an impact in Swaziland, it is perceived as two distinct media: a communications channel (mostly e-mails): and an information channel (websites and portals). Relatively few people make use of music and other download capabilities, nor use the web for shopping or trading.

Persons within ages 25 – 34 years use the internet the most by doing activities such as internet banking,
e-mailing and research. This group is unlikely to use the Internet for chatting (using chart rooms). Younger age groups below 24 years do research, chatting, reads the news, listen to music and watch music videos. Older groups 35+ only use the net for research,
e-mailing and news.

Email ownership in Swaziland

There are 23.5% of people with an e-mail address in Swaziland. A majority is most likely to check their in boxes weekly (96%) and daily 5.4% and hourly 3.1% and 2.9% monthly.

Those with Internet at work check their in boxes hourly and daily in some cases. Those accessing from home check it hourly and daily as well. Those accessing it from school and cafés check it weekly.

Providing comprehensive information about Swaziland trends

Search for:

Useful links

Tutorials