Delegates, innovators gather in Durban to carve digital technology paths
Thousands of dignitaries, innovators and leaders in communication, technology and innovation gathered yesterday at the Durban ICC for the 16th SITA GovTech Conference at the Durban ICC, with an aim to forge new paths and solutions to new-age digital communications.
AFTER a one-year pause in 2024, the GovTech Conference is back. It remains South Africa’s premier event in the information and communication technology sector, bringing together leaders from government, the private sector, academia, and civil society.
This year’s theme, “One Data, One Citizen, One Citizen Service Journey – Digital Transformation,” aims to place the spotlight on the importance of data-driven service delivery.
The conference also spotlights homegrown talent, showcasing innovations from South African start-ups and youth-led tech initiatives, with opportunities for funding and collaboration with global tech companies.
“Many countries in the developing world are struggling to address their national priorities due to problems such as the slow, uneven and discordant adoption of new technologies, which often leads to disjointed or weakened capacity for data collection, storage, processing and applications,” said Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande.
“As the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, we are responsible for the implementation of our country’s Decadal Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation (for the period 2022 to 2032).”
He concluded, “There is no doubt that access to data is a key enabler for digital transformation and the digital economy, and it is therefore critical for us as government to ensure equitable access to data so as to foster digital and economic inclusion.”
The Premier of KZN Thamsanqa Ntuli called on delegates to embrace the transformative potential of digital technologies and ensure that such advancements serve as instruments of inclusion, innovation, and prosperity for all South Africans.
Ntuli warned against treating digital transformation as an optional or secondary objective. “The political and developmental era in which we live demands that the digital economy be understood not as a luxury, but as a necessary solution to the pressing challenges of our time. Digital innovation is no longer a convenience, it is a cornerstone of inclusive human development.”
The GovTech Conference will wrap up today, Tuesday.
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