The Democratic Alliance has said that it is “unacceptable” that the Department of e-Government incurred irregular expenditure of R31,9-million for the 2018/2019 financial year.
“According to the annual report for e-Government this irregular expenditure occurred as the department did not follow the required procurement processes,” says Adriana Randall, DA shadow MEC for Finance and e-Government. “Furthermore, the annual report indicates that some of the irregular expenditure relates to instances where the Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes were not followed.
Technology is a platform on which collective human progress is built, transforming the fundamentals of commerce and production, and the ways we work and live. As an accelerator of development, it is also highly disruptive, redefining jobs and skills while also reshaping industries.
Given the reach of digital technology and the change it promises, there is a need to shepherd these exciting technologies without diminishing its energy and potential - a role that nicely aligns with government priorities.
Read more: ZA: Why national progress is not immune to digital transformation
Smart cities need the operational technology foundation of smart panels and transformers, the middle layer of connected devices with edge control self-management and the top layer of real-time insights that can optimise services.
“When asked how we can create a smart city, we need people to understand that there are three levels to the technology,” explains Taru Madangombe, vice-president of power systems in southern Africa for Schneider Electric.
Gauteng finance MEC and head of the Department of e-Government, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has called on ICT companies to step up efforts to upskill youths in the province.
This comes as the e-government department, in partnership with Altron, has introduced the Soweto-leg of its socio-economic development (SED) programme and workforce management institute.
Read more: ZA: E-government MEC pushes for youth skills boost
Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa used the State of the Nation Address to highlight the importance of building a smart city in South Africa.
This presents industry with significant opportunities as the world embraces a digital future.
Read more: SA needs smart cities, just not what you envisage