A changing political landscape, a beleaguered State IT Agency (SITA) and a shortage of key technology skills have all hampered the progress on projects such as the National Treasury's Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) and the Department of Home Affairs 'Who Am I Online?' some 15 years after they were initiated.
It is of utmost importance to think differently to resolve this problem. One of the possible solutions is actually located in the government domain where, in cooperation with the industry, the utilization of internships can be used as a mechanism to upskill the technology-challenged society.
Read more: ZA: Internships aid skills development initiative
The department on Thursday admitted that the index was a starting point, and that the data collected to launch the new measurement tool had been difficult to collate. It hoped that as data improved, so would the eBarometer.
The report is aimed at facilitating an evidence-based and scientific approach when planning and implementing projects contained in the department's Strategic Plan.
Read more: ZA: Department of Communications unveils eBarometer for ICT progress
This was revealed by the Department of Communication's (DOC's) new eBarometer tool that measures the progress of SA's uptake and usage of ICT.
The department says this tool is a first for SA and will assist in analysing the country's e-readiness. It launched the eBarometer yesterday.
“Government needs to be informed of the impact of the ICT initiatives across multiple sectors within the country.”
The theme of the event was “Harnessing Technology to Improve People's Lives”.
“This theme surely conveys to us the need to work as a collective – the three spheres of government, the private sector and civil society – to realise the goals advocated by the theme,” said the deputy minister.
Apart from unveiling the incubator, Bapela emphasised the importance of ICT service delivery as a vehicle for developing better lives in society.
Read more: ZA: Department of Communications incubates ICT businesses