Exploring the politics of Free/Libre/Open Source Software (FLOSS) in the context of contemporary South Africa; how are open policies implemented in practice?

Abstract

This research investigates the politics of FLOSS in the context of South Africa. The FLOSS policy was adopted in 2007. Multilateral agreements between governments around the world are now dealing with diverging laws regarding copyright, access to knowledge, transparency and secrecy. Based on fieldwork conducted in South Africa in 2010, this field note explores the gap between the policy and practice of openness.