The digital revolution is reshaping governance worldwide. From the electronic filing of taxes to digital visa applications, technology is making government services more accessible, efficient and transparent.
South Africa is making progress in its digital journey. In 2024 it climbed to 40th place out of 193 countries, from 65th place in 2022, in the United Nations e-Government Index. This improvement makes the country one of Africa’s digital leaders, surpassing Mauritius and Tunisia.
Read more: Digital government can benefit citizens: How SA can reduce the risks and get it right
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the new plan would streamline public service delivery, with a single digital platform for citizens to access government support.
The Presidency has launched a digital roadmap to modernise government services under the next phase of Operation Vulindlela.
On Monday, Minister Solly Malatsi is set to lead the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies delegation at the launch of the Roadmap on the Digital Transformation of the South African Government.
Read more: ZA: Presidency launches digital roadmap to modernise government services
The City of Johannesburg (COJ) has set its sights on using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve service delivery in South Africa’s economic hub.
This was revealed yesterday by Joburg executive mayor Dada Morero, when he delivered the State of the City Address.
In his speech, Morero also said the COJ is looking to support the Lanseria Smart City Programme to boost the city’s economy.
Read more: ZA: Joburg mayor eyes AI to boost service delivery
- The Gauteng Department of eGovernment has detailed ongoing plans to build a digitalised “smart city region” in Gauteng.
- It says these plans will make life easier for all residents.
- Outside of the digital world, Gauteng’s public services and infrastructure continue to crumble.
The Gauteng Department of eGovernment, which oversees the province’s ICT infrastructure and is charged with the digital transformation of its public works has detailed plans to build a “smart Gauteng City region,” with development beginning in the 2025/2026 financial year.
Read more: ZA: Will the upcoming “smart city region” save Gauteng?
South Africa is experiencing a significant IT skills shortage, jeopardising its digital transformation and economic growth. Essential fields such as cybersecurity, data analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and software development are notably impacted, revealing a deficit of 20 000 to 70 000 qualified professionals.
This significant shortage of IT skills affects not only business operations but the market as a whole. Globally, the IT industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors, and for a country like South Africa, which is still in its development phase, keeping up with global standards is a significant challenge.
Read more: Is South Africa's IT skills shortage hindering digital transformation?