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South Africa: Parliament Goes Paperless |
| Source: |
http://www.itweb.co.za/ |
| Source Date: |
Thursday, July 18, 2013 |
| Focus: |
Electronic and Mobile Government, Citizen Engagement, Internet Governance
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| Country: |
South Africa |
| Created: |
Jul 18, 2013 |
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The Parliament library contains books, journals, maps, microfilms, photographs, atlases, videos, CDs, DVDs, slides, online databases and links to Internet resources that provide information to MPs, ministers and Parliamentary staff. The library is a legal deposit library, meaning it is entitled to claim a copy of every publication in printed and electronic form published in SA.
The ‘Digital Content Delivery Application’ will allow MPs to access all library information through their mobile phones or electronic devices. “This service will ensure that we are able to obtain information without delay,” said Sisulu.
Features of the system include customisation to the specific requirements of a member to avoid unnecessary information overload.
Sisulu said the new app will not only streamline administrative processes by boosting a paperless environment, but also has great environmental benefit by saving trees.
With the aim to have the app implemented by July, he said the rules and guidelines on the use of technology in the House need to be finalised. “Clearly we are moving into the future. It is important that the Rules Committee also looks at how to make this possible.”
In response to Sisulu’s announcement, DA Parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko says she regards the new app as a wonderful development. “Every day in Parliament audit papers, announcements, schedules, programmes, etc, are distributed to members in their pigeon holes and as a result large quantities of paper go to waste. This app will not only save a lot of paper and a lot of time, but also encourage members to get online. It is long overdue,” notes Mazibuko.
The Department of Home Affairs this year launched a modernisation programme in an effort to eliminate the use of paper in the department. This programme includes live data capture, e-visa and permitting, the Trusted Traveller Programme, the Enhanced Electronic Movement Control System, the National Identification System with biometric features, and the smart ID card.
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South Africa: Parliament Goes Paperless National Assembly speaker Max Sisulu yesterday announced an app that will allow MPs to receive Parliament papers and schedules digitally is currently in its final testing phase Sisulu said he has been concerned for some time that the Parliament library is not accessible after hours in particular when MPs are away from Parliament “The work and efficacy of a Member of Parliament is largely dependent on receiving timely and reliable information,” said Sisulu
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