Abstract:

E-commerce is regarded as transactions or business activities that are conducted over the Internet. In this study any businesses transaction that is enabled through electronic tools is regarded as e-commerce. E-commerce has proved to be socially and economically viable as well as potentially benefiting and rewarding when implemented correctly. In this study, we try to determine and understand how different business sectors have migrated from traditional business models to the newer electronic models. The study took a quantitative strand and used descriptive methods to explain the e-commerce impact in the Mafikeng area of South Africa. Results found indicated that the full benefits and positive impact of e-commerce have not yet been fully exhausted by many businesses. Many of the consulted businesses still run only informative websites. There are challenges that were found to hinder the uptake of e-commerce in Mafikeng such as lack of e-commerce security policy and a lack of massive campaign to inform users of the benefits attached to e-commerce.