By: Robert Kwaku Annor
South
Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi,
has called for a people-centred approach to digital transformation, stressing
that technology must be used to improve public services, close the digital
divide and strengthen trust between citizens and the state.
Speaking
at the Decode Social Media Summit, Malatsi said the country’s digital
transformation agenda must prioritise the needs and experiences of citizens,
ensuring that technology delivers greater dignity, accessibility and
opportunity.
The
Minister said South Africa must work towards building a digital state that
listens to citizens, combats misinformation and creates an inclusive digital
environment where the benefits of technology extend beyond those who are
already connected.
Malatsi
highlighted the need to redesign the relationship between citizens and
government through digital platforms, noting that public services should become
faster, simpler and more convenient.
He
said citizens should not be required to move between government offices, wait
in long queues, complete multiple forms or contact different service channels
repeatedly to access services they are entitled to receive.
The
Minister’s remarks come as governments across Africa continue to accelerate
digital transformation initiatives aimed at improving public service delivery,
expanding connectivity and using emerging technologies to create more inclusive
societies.
Malatsi
emphasised that digital transformation should ultimately be measured by its
impact on people’s lives and its ability to create a more responsive, efficient
and trusted government system.
