The Department of Science and Technology (DST), in partnership with the World Economic Forum's Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network (C4IR Network), has announced plans to establish an Affiliate Centre to prepare SA for the fourth industrial revolution (4IR).
The centre, announced today by science and technology minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane in Pretoria, will be a hub for global multi-stakeholder cooperation to develop policy frameworks and advance collaborations that accelerate the benefits of science and technology, while shaping the development and application of emerging technologies.
Read more: Affiliate Centre will prepare South Africa for Industry 4.0
As the 4IR becomes a reality, telecommunications is coming to the fore as a chief economic growth enabler for South Africa. The impact goes beyond the economic opportunities that the sector can create for citizens. We are moving into a future that will be enabled by telecommunications, and more specifically, Internet connectivity.
Connecting South Africa
Government has acknowledged it has a responsibility towards the country's citizens to ensure digital inclusivity for all. This is the basis for SA Connect, the country's national broadband policy, which highlights the need for an "enabling platform for economic enterprise, active citizenship, and social engagement innovation" that a telecommunications-supported digital ecosystem will make possible.
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The Department of e-Government, the division focused on ICT and innovation in Gauteng, will receive R1.4 billion this year to fund key projects.
So said finance MEC Barbara Creecy, delivering the fifth and final budget of the current administration, as well as the medium-term projections for the next three years.
Read more: ZA: R1.4bn cash injection for Gauteng's e-government
To ease the archaic manner in which to apply for public sector jobs, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has introduced a Web-based solution to its recruitment processes.
Dubbed e-Job, the DPSA's new recruitment Web site means applicants are now able to fill out a digital Z83 form as well as upload all relevant employment documentation online.