Kathy Gibson reports from GovTech in Cape Town – Government and industry must join forces and work together to achieve the goals of a capable and developmental state.
This is the word from Jerry Vilakazi, chairman of the SITA board, addressing GovTech delegates here today.
Vilakazi points out that there are positive moves from government, including yesterday’s opening of a national school of government, which is an important building block in fixing the public service.
“Our leaders have committed South Africa to a people-centred society where every citizen can access, create and share knowledge. There is a shared vision to allow people to achieve their full potential in promoting sustainable development and improve quality of life.”
He adds that government and industry are not simply in the business of ICT, but as a crucial enabler for social and economic emancipation.
“GovTech 2013 is aimed at providing a roadmap for the ICT industry’s long-term development and growth. This enables the development of industry partnerships with government on a unified strategy of clearly defined goals to deliver a citizen centric information society.
“We cannot afford to rest as long as so many people remain without the benefits of ICT,” Vilakazi says.