DTPS to consult nationally on the e-strategy, e-government and ICT SMME support strategies
The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services is embarking on a national consultation program. The National consultation will be launched in Indaba Hotel, Four-ways on 8 – 9 May 2017. The three strategies are a direct response towards the implementation of the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper.
The National Consultation will be opened by Mr Robert Nkuna, the Director-General: Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services. The Honourable Minister Dr Siyabonga Cwele will deliver the key note address focusing on Strategies towards the implementation of the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper.
Discussions will centre on the following topics:
- E-Strategy: National Plan towards achieving Digital Economy for South Africa
- Digital Transformation of South African Public Service
- Unlocking the Potential of ICT SMMEs
Media is invited as follows:
Date: 8 – 9 May 2017
Venue: Indaba Hotel Spa and Conference Centre, Fourways, Johannesburg
Time: 09h00
Note to editors:
Government has recognised the importance of the SMME sector for the growth and development of the economy. The National Development Plan envisages that the small business sector will create 90% of the expected 11 million jobs by 2030. The 9 Point Plan has as one of its priorities: the need to unlock the potential of SMMEs, cooperatives and other rural enterprises, to contribute to the South African Economy. The ICT SMME Support Strategy provides an assessment of the ICT Industry value chain in the Telecommunications and Information Technology (IT) sector. These analysis enables Government to identify the challenges that hampers the development of the ICT SMMEs as well as to identify opportunities for participation and development of SMMEs.
The development of a national e-Strategy is based on national developmental imperatives, legislative prescripts as well as global commitments. The mandate emanates from the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, No. 25 of 2002. In terms of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (2002) the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services is required to develop a three year e-strategy which would be declared a national priority by Cabinet
The purpose of developing the National e-Strategy is to articulate a shared vision and a paradigm shift from the Information Society towards Knowledge Economy in the Republic of South Africa. This shared vision is an embodiment of the needs, hopes and aspirations of the citizens, business and public sector in the country.
ICT is recognised as the strategic platform to ensure the integration of services and to improve service delivery through e-Government services. The National e-Government Strategy and Roadmap aims to optimise service delivery that provides universal access to government information and services anytime and anywhere.
The three strategies are available on www.dtps.gov.za website.
Media enquiries:
Thulani Ngubane
Cell: 060 986 7177
Tel: 012 427 8000
E-mail: tngubane@dtps.gov.za
