TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – EXPERTS in the information and communications technology have recommended partnerships between public and private sectors to realise the true potential of digitisation.
This was the prevailing sentiment at the just-ended Public Sector ICT Forum in Johannesburg.
David Mphelo, General Manager for Public Sector at MTN Business, said the public sector is faced with a challenge of striking a balance between running the country efficiently in the face of ageing infrastructure,while ensuring efficient delivery of service and contending with ever changing citizen’s needs.
“Accelerated digitisation is key,” said Mphelo.
“However an effective digitisation strategy requires strategic planning and implementation, no one has the monopoly of knowledge and expertise, therefore collaboration between the public and private sector is key,” said Mphelo.
He said to reach an advanced stage of digitisation and realise the wide-ranging benefits it offered, the public sector needs support from government and the private sector.
The private sector has the technology, the skills, and the expertise to fill in the gaps that are making the digital journey a challenge for public sector organizations, Mphelo pointed out.
The private sector can help government achieve significant improvements in the citizen experience through offering supporting solutions that enable shared services and e-procurement tools.
“These can considerably improve the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and transparency of government operations,” said Mphelo.
Mandla Mkhwanazi: Transnet Group, Digital Business Leader and Chief Process Officer, concurred.
He said state-owned entities and the public sector should share best practise to avoid duplication and ensure uniformity and consistency of quality service delivery.
Mmamathe Makhekhe-Mokhuane: Chief Information Officer for the Department of Water and Sanitation, conceded that with the exception of few pockets of excellence, the public sector was not showing visible increase in usage of technology.
She said that public sector CIOs are working hard to improve the uptake and usage of ICT solutions.
According to studies, digitisation multiplies the benefits of connectivity, as it generates three times more economic benefits than
broadband alone.
It contributes positively to job creation and countries in the advanced digitisation stage reap 20 percent more economic benefits than countries at the start of their digitisation journeys.
– CAJ News
