The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is making strategic structural changes to the organisations within its portfolio to align for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has outlined the following actions in a statement on the department’s readiness for 4IR:
Licencing of the High Demand Spectrum
In July, we issued the Policy on unassigned High Demand Spectrum and Policy Direction on Licencing of a Wireless Open Access Network (WOAN).
In response, ICASA has issued an Information Memorandum on the licencing process for International Mobile Telecommunications (“IMT”) Spectrum, which gives an opportunity for submissions to be made by 31 January 2020.
Following the release of the Competition Commission market inquiry report into mobile data services, we are engaging with mobile operators on the best ways to reduce the high cost of data without interfering with the work of the regulators.
Fast-tracking the rollout of Broadcasting Digital Migration
Cabinet approved the delivery model that encompasses direct appointment of local decoder installers, that are qualified and accredited. The second phase thereof will include the roll out of IDTVs, in order to ensure the success of the project the department is exploring alternative funding options. For the successful implementation of the revised BDM model, an administrator has been appointed at USAASA Mr Newyear Niniva Ntuli for a period of 24 months.
Digital Government
The Digital Transformation Plan requires an audit of current Government IT spend and interventions in order to identify champions and priorities related to the ease of doing business and provision of crucial services to the citizens. In this respect, we will be repurposing SITA as a new digital transformation agency to drive digitalization, innovation, localization and supporting a capable state. We have appointed an Administrator – Mr Luvuyo Keyise to lead the process for a 24-month period.
Building a Big Data Economy
In this regard, we are in the process of finalising a Data Policy for South Africa. We will further finalise the Smart Communities Framework, consolidate Sectoral Masterplans and finalise the Digital Industrial Strategy.
Skilling the nation
We will further bolster efforts to build a capable 4IR Army that has the requisite skills to respond to the 4IR. To this end, the department has developed a Digital Skills Strategy which will be presented to Cabinet for approval. A pilot programme has commenced with 1000 students who are being trained on data science, software development, cybersecurity, 3D printing, drone piloting and digital content production.
Institutional reforms
The department is currently finalising the business case and awaiting certification from the State Law Advisor and DPME with regards to repurposing SITA to create a State IT Company; as well as merging Sentech and Broadband Infraco (BBI) to form the State Digital Infrastructure Company.
We are further engaging our counterparts to ensure that non-broadband SOEs that self-provide broadband such as Sanral, Prasa, Eskom and Transnet are prohibited from entering the commercial broadband market as to avoid the state distorting a well-functioning liberalised market.
We will also accelerate the repurposing of the Universal Service Fund into a 4IR Fund. The department will also develop a model for smart regulation which will include the amalgamation of ICASA, Film and Publication Board and .ZADNA; and explore new funding mechanisms for the new regulator.
Further, NEMISA will be positioned to be a digital skills institute that will train government employees and members of the public.
The Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution
The 34-member commission was established by President Ramaphosa to develop South Africa’s blueprint on the 4IR. The commission has eight workstreams which are led as follows:
- Science, Technology and Innovation – Thulani Dlamini
- Infrastructure and resources – Andile Ngcaba
- Human Capital and Future World of Work – Beth Arendse
- Capital Markets and Financing – Professor Chris Adendorf
- Commercialisation and Industralisation – Lindiwe Mkhonza
- Policy and Legal – Charmaine Houvet
- Socio-economic impact – Rob Shutter
- Integration, Programme Management & Communication – S’onqoba Vuba
Following extensive research and engagement with key stakeholders, the commission presented is draft report to the president in November and is on track to submit the final report in January 2020 for publication in February.
To support the commission, the department is finalising the appointment of the Project Management Office which will comprise of a team of research experts in various fields such as data science, digital transformation, telecommunications and internet policy, law and economics; amongst others.
Sentech
We have further appointed the following members to fill in vacancies in the SENTECH Board pending the finalisation of its merger with BBI:
- Malande Tonjeni
- Lisa Tele
- Mxolisi Tsika
- Malizole Diko
Building an informed, educated and entertained nation
In order to ensure that the SABC is responsive to its current and future mandate a sum of R 3.2 billion was approved of which R 2,1 billion was transferred in October, after it met some of the conditions. Working together with the SABC we agreed documents must be submitted by 15 January 2020 in order for remaining balance of R1,1 billion to be transferred.
South African Post Office
In terms of repurposing SAPO to take advantage of the thriving e-Commerce and financial services environments, the organisation is in the process of implementing its turnaround strategy which focuses on several key interventions including the launch of its e-commerce platform. Further, SAPO is in the process of finalising MoUs with Post Bank in terms of the operational relationship going forward, following the separation of the two entities.
Conclusion
It is worth emphasising that one of the critical drivers in delivering better services as government is technology. The current and very fast shifts in digital technologies means South Africans’ expectations for technology-enabled government services have risen.
This unprecedented shift in expectations which is linked to the financial pressure on government to transform and do more with less, introduces new opportunities to deliver improved results for our citizens, business and even public servants.
We will, as guided by legislation, be bringing more changes in a number of our agencies in order to unearth opportunities presented by the 4IR for benefit of the citizens of South Africa.