Relations Forum Meeting adopts a pragmatic approach recognising the centrality
of Information Communications Technologies (ICTs) in building an inclusive
information society
11 May 2007
The Information Society and Development Inter-Governmental Relations Forum
(ISADIGR) today held its second meeting in Bloemfontein, Free State, with
delegates focusing on the centrality of Information Communications Technologies
(ICTs) as key tools for socio-economic development and the building of an
inclusive Information Society.
Communications Minister, Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri who is also the
Chairperson of the ISAD IGR Forum, briefed members on major and historic
decisions taken by Cabinet that are bound to put our country on a new
trajectory. Amongst those decisions are the developments pertaining to the
migration of broadcasting infrastructure from analogue to a digital platform,
adding that its implications must be planned and communicated to all South
African communities.
Dr Matsepe-Casaburri informed the Forum about the provincial visits
undertaken by herself and her Deputy to the Provincial Executive Councils of
the Western Cape and the Free State, while Deputy Communications Minister
Radakrishna Padayachie visited Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.
The ISAD IGR Forum launched in December 2006 aims to co-ordinate activities
across the three spheres of Government to ensure that ICTs are embraced as a
critical tool for socio-economic development. The Forum consists of the
Chairperson, two Deputy Chairpersons and 22 permanent members, which includes
two MECs each that deal with Economic Affairs and Social Development from the
nine provinces. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the
House of Traditional Leaders are also represented in the forum.
The next meeting will be held in November in Mpumalanga where members of the
Forum will receive a briefing on the outcomes of the July Lekgotla that have a
bearing on ICTs in the country.
The visits to the provinces are still to continue with outstanding provinces
being earmarked for visits to meet with their Executive Councils (Excos).
For media enquiries contact:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871
Issued by: Department of Communications
11 May 2007
