In his latest state of the nation address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined what the government’s plans are around technology and digital transformation in South Africa.
The president presented the government's plan to grow its digital platforms and skills in South Africa’s growing economy, as well as improving government services.
“We are seeing intensifying competition over trade, technology and influence in global institutions. As we work to reform the public service and build the capability of the state, we will harness technology to transform the way that government works,” said Ramaphosa.
The public sector is only one part of the digital transformation efforts the government is looking to implement.
Technology Innovation Fund
Ramaphosa announced that the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation will establish an Innovation Fund. The fund is designed to provide venture capital to tech start-ups that come from higher education institutions.
This announcement was welcomed by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) which stated it would support the government's efforts by launching a Fund of Funds programme.
The programme will work to establish 15 new venture capital fund managers and ensure access to funding for black-owned, women-led and youth-driven investment firms. The government entity aims to attract R1.5 billion in investments.
Additionally, the TIA has set a goal to target the commercialisation of 600 innovations- 300 from publicly funded research and 300 from designated groups such as women, youth and persons with disabilities.
“As South Africa works toward a more inclusive and innovative economy, TIA stands ready as a partner in the National System of Innovation (NSI). By fostering collaboration and partnerships with other government entities, the private sector, and academic institutions to create an enabling ecosystem that supports commercialisation and technology deployment for national benefit,” said Ismail Abdoola, acting CEO of the TIA.
Digital transformation and skills
President Cyril emphasised the importance of having comprehensive digital platforms in South Africa. One of the efforts in digital transformation is the revamping of the gov.za website.
Additionally, the President said the government would be implementing a digital visa system. This system is designed to speed up the visa application process for skilled persons especially those with skills in digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).
Ramaphosa said, “The revamp of the government platform is being done to give South Africans access to government services anytime and anywhere”.
Digital IDs
To make government services more accessible to citizens, the Department of Home Affairs will implement a digital identity system. This system will allow citizens to authenticate themselves without their physical ID cards.
Online national health records system
As part of the first phase of the National Health Insurance scheme, the government will establish an electronic database of health records for South African citizens.
Furthermore, the government will establish a Ministerial Advisory Committee on health technologies.
Role of AI in crime prevention
In his SONA speech, President Ramaphosa outlined the role of AI in fighting crime. Using AI in its fraud risk detection and verification work, the South African Revenue Services (SARS) has prevented the leakage of over R95 billion in impermissible refunds, recovered R20 billion in revenue and dismantled an illicit tobacco and gold scheme.
South Africa’s digital transformation plan for 2030 seeks to leverage digital technologies to create a more inclusive and informative society. To do this the government will build robust digital infrastructure, enhance online government services and bridge the digital divide by focusing on equitable access to technology.
The key pillars of the digital transformation plan include:
Expansion of digital infrastructure
Developing digital skills
Promoting cybersecurity
Integrating technology into governance, education and business sectors
“While we may differ on many issues, we agree on one thing: that we need to build a better South Africa and improve the wellbeing of our people. And so, as we enter a new era in the world and in our own country, let us speak of the empathy and compassion that we have for one another,” concluded Ramaphosa.
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