South Africa’s Minister
of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi has outlined a bold
vision for South Africa’s digital transformation at the Department of
Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) Governance, Compliance, and
Delivery Workshop. Speaking to leaders of DCDT entities and key stakeholders,
the Minister emphasized the critical role of governance, compliance, and
ethical leadership in unlocking the country’s digital potential and driving
inclusive economic growth.
The workshop,
held against the backdrop of South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU),
served as a platform to reflect on the progress and challenges facing the DCDT
portfolio. Minister Malatsi underscored that the GNU is not merely a political
shift but a professional obligation for leaders to set new standards in
governance, service delivery, and ethical leadership.
The GNU’s three
overarching priorities—driving inclusive economic growth, reducing poverty, and
building a capable, ethical state—are deeply intertwined with the DCDT’s
mandate. As the architects of South Africa’s digital future, the department is
tasked with ensuring that every citizen has access to the tools and
opportunities needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.
The Minister
warned that failure to prioritize digital transformation risks entrenching
inequality and leaving millions of South Africans behind. Drawing on global
examples, he indicated how countries like India, Kenya, and China have
leveraged digital technologies to drive economic growth, create jobs, and
reduce poverty. Conversely, nations that neglect digital infrastructure and
skills development risk stagnation and exclusion from the global economy.
“Access to
connectivity is not just a tool of convenience—it is a pathway to economic
freedom,” Minister Malatsi stated. “Digital
skills are a lifeline to employment and innovation. The policies we implement,
the governance we strengthen, and the urgency with which we act will define
whether an entire generation of South Africans has the means to compete or is
left behind.”
While
acknowledging the progress made by some entities, such as NEMISA, the SABC, and
Postbank, the Minister did not shy away from addressing the underperformance of
others. Entities like ICASA, USAASA, USAF, and SAPO remain stagnant, while
SITA, FPB, BBI, and Sentech have seen a regression in audit outcomes.
Common issues
such as weak internal controls, procurement violations, insufficient
consequence management, and failure to adhere to governance agreements were
identified as major contributors to the sector’s challenges. He called for
decisive action to address underperformance, enforce compliance, and rebuild
trust in public institutions.
He urged
leaders to move away from reactive management and firefighting, emphasizing the
need for proactive, future-focused institutions driven by excellence. “The
pursuit of excellence must become our permanent obsession,” he stated.
Minister
Malatsi concluded with a call for urgency and precision in restoring good
governance, enforcing compliance, and delivering on the DCDT’s mandate. “Our
entities will either be the backbone of South Africa’s digital
transformation—or the reason we fall behind,” he warned.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
