Minister Cwele emphasised government’s plans to improve lives by using technology.

“Our ambitious plans to use technology to improve the quality of the lives of our people are anchored in the National Development Plan and South Africa Connect, our Broadband Strategy and Plan,” he said.

GovTech 2014

The four-day GovTech 2014 conference is being held at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) under the theme ‘A government empowered by technology’.

Designed by government for government, GovTech is a substantive, value-packed learning opportunity strategically developed to meet the current needs of ICT professionals and decision-makers from all spheres of government.

It focuses on unlocking the power of ICT in public service delivery, by celebrating successes, showcasing achievements and recognising progresses made thus far.

Department of Telecommunications, Postal Services

In explaining the task at hand for the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services, the Minister said the department is also tasked with coordinating the deployment of public and private sector communications infrastructure so that all South Africans are able to receive services that they need and which are affordable.

“In other words, we are all therefore tasked to ensure that the country extracts maximum value for every rand invested in ICTs, broadband infrastructure and services to accelerate service delivery in a manner that helps to fight the persistent challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality,” he added.

Minister Cwele also stated that Cabinet adopted the strategy to roll-out broadband infrastructure and services providing electronic services which cover education, health and all frontline public services that deliver services.

“The strategy talks of plans to connect all government offices, schools, and health facilities through fast speed reliable internet. We have already finalised the first phase business plan that is aimed at initiating the programme,” he said.

Innovative achievements

The Minister also shared some examples of innovative achievements of government which included the smart card ID’s and how convenient it is to now submit tax returns.

“We also know how in our country technology has made it more convenient to submit tax returns by enabling those who have access to computers, smartphones and afford to go online to do so in the comfort of their homes or offices instead of standing in long queues. Here is a concrete example of how the development of software and platforms can impact on people and make services convenient.

“Government is also rolling out new smart cards as a form of identity because we know that the new technologies offer better protection of the integrity of our identities. The smart card ID is more secure than the previous incarnations, and more convenient to carry around because they can fit into wallets,” he added.

Reaching out to the youth

Minister Cwele also emphasised the importance of involving the youth and in educating them. “We must also pay attention to training young people to use these services. We need to consider how we create a conducive environment for the youth to be innovative and not end up as just consumers of other people’s technologies.

“We have an opportunity to change the face of service delivery for the better. Let us do it for the benefit of our future and the youth of this country,” he said.

Deputy Director General for Content Processing and Dissemination at the Department of Communications, Harold Maloka, also emphasised the importance of reaching out to the youth of South Africa using all available technological platforms.

In his presentation on the importance of social media in government, he said: “Social media has allowed government to have a cost effective, efficient two-way conversation with citizens.”

Vukuzenzele mobile application, Mxit

Maloka also launched the Vukuzenzele mobile application, which is now available for download. The Vukuzenzele App contains all the content that can also be found in the print version and online version. The mobile application was established due to its cost effectiveness and convenience.

Social Media Director at the Department of Communications, Aslam Levy, also talked about the importance of utilising all available platforms as government. “Many people are surprised that we are using Mxit, but lower LSM’s are on Mxit and they are just as important.”

The South African Government is available in various kinds of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flikr, Mxit and Ello. All accounts are aimed at providing relevant information to citizens.