In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the South African government has adopted an ambitious approach to driving technological transformation, with the vision of creating an “inclusive information society” as a tool to spur social change and stimulate economic growth.
This message was prominently shared during the 30 Years of Democracy Roadshow, which recently visited eThekwini and Msunduzi Municipalities, in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
South Africa marked 30 years of democracy earlier this year, a milestone commemorating three decades since the official end of apartheid in 1994. At the forefront of the Roadshow was Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, who, as part of a new generation of leaders, emphasized a renewed commitment to shaping a digital landscape that serves all South Africans.
Morolong represents a wave of young, energetic leaders charged with bridging the past’s legacy and the challenges of the present, with an eye to advancing a more inclusive future.
Addressing roadshow attendees, Morolong underscored the importance of government- led social responsibility initiatives, especially those spearheaded by state-owned enterprises in collaboration with the private sector. “We believe that these contributions go a long way towards bridging the digital divide, particularly in our schools,” he stated. “It contributes to the achievement of our National Development Plan and our goal of establishing an inclusive information society.” For Morolong, these achievements highlight the transformative potential of public-private partnerships in addressing inequality and creating a more equitable digital landscape.
One of the cornerstones of this digital drive has been the ongoing digital migration project, a nationwide initiative designed to convert South Africa’s outdated analogue broadcasting to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT). DTT offers a substantial upgrade in signal quality and channel availability.
The project has provided decoders, funded by the state, to low-income households, pensioners, and rural communities, ensuring that digital television is accessible to those who may not have been able to afford it otherwise. According to Morolong, more than two million households have benefitted from this programme to date.
However, the rollout has not been without its challenges. South Africa’s shift to digital broadcasting has faced repeated delays, bureaucratic hurdles, and technical issues, pushing back initial timelines for full implementation. Morolong acknowledged these setbacks but stressed that the government is actively working to accelerate the migration.
“We recognise that the pace of digital migration may not have met initial expectations, but we need to build on the progress that has been registered,” he noted. “Our efforts here include government’s broader scope to enhance internet connectivity through the SA Connect broadband policy, which is being rolled out in phases to reach both government facilities and communities.”
The SA Connect policy is a key part of the government’s plan to extend high-speed internet access to public facilities such as schools, hospitals, and government offices, with the eventual goal of ensuring that even rural and underserved communities have access to reliable internet. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader objective to empower citizens through connectivity, which is increasingly seen as a fundamental right rather than a luxury.
Morolong’s role as Deputy Minister in the Presidency also includes oversight of the Government Communications and Information System (GCIS), the department responsible for managing all official communication. This role has afforded him insights into the broader technological and digital initiatives across government departments. One of these initiatives is a commitment to strengthening community media. “One such initiative will be setting aside advertising spend for community radio stations, with each government department committing to this,” he shared. “We want community media not only to survive but to thrive.”
Community media, especially radio, plays a critical role in keeping South Africans informed, particularly in rural areas where access to other media may be limited. By directing advertising budgets toward these stations, the government aims to bolster their financial sustainability and ensure that local voices are represented in the media landscape. Morolong also hinted at plans to launch a government-led television channel, which would be freely available to the public, similar to channels like SABC+, which is an online streaming platform and the Parliamentary Channel. The goal is to increase government transparency and communication with citizens through multiple media channels.
While the government has made strides in leveraging technology for public benefit, it also faces the challenge of professionalising and standardising communications across various levels of government. Morolong expressed his vision of creating a cohesive communication strategy that operates seamlessly from national to provincial and municipal levels.
“Efforts are underway to improve government messaging, and through intergovernmental communication forums, we are committed to ensuring that the professionalism we are implementing at the national level will be evident at provincial and municipal levels,” he said.
This, said Morolong, includes a robust training and development programme which GCIS provides to all government communicators, Cabinet Ministers, Premiers, MECs, Mayors and Councillors. Formally known as the GCIS Communication Course, it has been officially adopted and rolled-out by the National School of Government (NSG).
The purpose of the course is to upskill, evolve and build trust in government’s communication-wide eco-system to meet the demands of a modern society and rapidly evolving communication landscape.
“We are also looking at taking stock of the skills that we at GCIS possess, upskilling where necessary, and finalise the National Communications Strategy Framework (NCSF). Furthermore, once the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) has been finalised we will communicate the priorities of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and to help get government’s message across—be it print, radio, or television, and in the language of your choice,” Morolong explained.
In addition to domestic progress, South Africa’s digital transformation journey is also in line with international digital policy trends. Over the past few years, global discussions have focused on the role of the digital economy in sustainable development. The United Nations has encouraged countries to embrace digital inclusivity as a means of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) echoes these priorities with its emphasis on digital access, job creation, and reducing inequality.
South Africa’s journey to become a truly inclusive information society remains a work in progress. Digital inequality remains a pressing issue, with urban areas generally having more robust internet infrastructure than rural areas. The government’s challenge is to ensure that every South African, regardless of their socio-economic status or location, can access the benefits of digital transformation. In a country where around 18% of households still lack access to the internet, addressing this divide is crucial to unlocking the full potential of a connected society.
Yet, despite these challenges, Morolong remains optimistic about the future.
“This government sees technology as a unifying force that, when effectively harnessed, can level the playing field, empower communities, and stimulate economic growth. The digital transformation process will take time, but with commitment and collaboration, we can make a significant difference,” he concluded.
Source: Mail and Guardian
