The newly formed Gauteng e-government department yesterday convened a two-day summit in Midrand to introduce what will hopefully lead to more efficient service delivery and shorter queues at local offices.
Gauteng premier David Makhura joined Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe and Gauteng's MEC of finance, Barbara Creecy, to inaugurate the new digital department yesterday.
Delivering the keynote address, Radebe stressed the importance of information and communication technology as a catalyst for the country's economic objectives.
But Radebe said the government was aware of some the hindrances that might come with e-governance, a "digital divide" being one of them.
The government planned to address the divide through public service outlets, where the community will be helped to adjust to digital communications, he said.
When asked by The Times whether online governing would lead to an unaccountable government as queries would be lodged online, Radebe said that won't be the case.
He said that because queries were launched electronically they would have a digital footprint to which they could be tracked if they were not addressed.
"E-government may be applied to improve internal efficiency and the delivery of public services.
"E-government delivers improved efficiency, convenience and better accessibility of public services," said Radebe.
The City of Tshwane was complimented for being the leader in successfully connecting its residents with free Wi-Fi.
According to statistics compiled in 2013, less than 50% of South Africans have access to the internet.
---
Autor(en)/Author(s): Lebogang Mokoena
Quelle/Source: Times LIVE, 03.11.2015
Bitte besuchen Sie/Please visit:
