Preserving Digital Cultural Heritage in Resource-Limited Environments: A Comparative Study from South Africa

Digital cultural heritage preservation is crucial for safeguarding intangible assets such as oral traditions, folklore, and local languages in resource-limited environments. In South Africa, where digital resources are often underutilized or inaccessible, there is a need to develop sustainable solutions. The research employs a comparative case study approach, gathering data through interviews with stakeholders, surveys among communities, and analysis of existing preservation projects. Data is analysed using thematic coding to identify common themes and specific challenges. Community-led initiatives showed higher levels of community participation (85%) compared to government-funded projects (60%), indicating a stronger connection between heritage preservation efforts and local needs. Both approaches have demonstrated potential for digital cultural heritage preservation, with community-led initiatives proving more effective in terms of engagement and sustainability. Recommendations include increased investment in community-based programmes and enhanced collaboration between stakeholders. Develop community-driven digital platforms that incorporate traditional knowledge systems; allocate resources to ensure long-term maintenance and accessibility of preserved content; foster continuous dialogue among cultural custodians, policymakers, and technology developers.