The Gauteng Department of e-Government (e-Gov) said it achieved 84% of its planned targets during the fourth quarter of the 2025/ 26 financial year, marking a significant improvement from the 63% achieved during the same period last year.

The department presented its latest performance report to members of the Gauteng Legislature’s e-Government Research and Development Committee in Krugersdorp, outlining progress on digital infrastructure projects, broadband rollout, youth employment programmes and supplier payment systems.

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According to Gauteng MEC for e-Government Bonginkosi Dhlamini, the department continues to play a key role in improving provincial service delivery through Information and Communications Technology (ICT) investments.

“One of the most notable achievements in recent years has been the department’s investment in digital infrastructure.

The expansion of high-speed broadband networks across government offices and public facilities has enabled greater connectivity and the adoption of new technologies,” said Dhlamini.

“We have increased our performance by 21%, which shows that the department is becoming more stable and that we are on the right path towards modernising the province.”

The department said R241m has been allocated during the 2026/ 27 financial year to address ageing infrastructure and strengthen maintenance of existing ICT systems.

As part of the Gauteng Provincial Network infrastructure rollout:

• 44 sites received Wide Area Network (WAN) connectivity
• 30 sites received Local Area Network (LAN) infrastructure
• four sites received Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services, and
• 15 Wi-Fi hotspots were installed

The infrastructure forms part of the Gauteng Government’s Integrated Safety and Service Delivery Programme, led by Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

According to Lesufi, it is a multi-disciplinary government programme that unites municipalities, the police and provincial departments to fast-track municipal service delivery, such as fixing potholes, waste removal, and increasing law enforcement visibility to combat crime.

While the department confirmed no new CCTV cameras will be installed during the current financial year, it said efforts will focus on maintaining existing camera infrastructure. The Gauteng Department of Community Safety remains responsible for directing any future CCTV expansion projects.

The report also highlighted challenges relating to youth employment targets.

According to the department, only 12% youth representation was achieved during the reporting period, falling short of its 25% target.

The department attributed the shortfall to budget constraints, which resulted in the suspension of advertising and filling 30 planned vacant posts intended for young people. A job evaluation process is also underway to ensure compliance with Regulation 40(c) of the Public Service Regulations.

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The department, however, reported progress through its digital ambassador programme aimed at improving digital literacy and encouraging residents to use online government services.

The first intake of 75 e-Services ambassadors was appointed in August 2025 for a 24-month programme. A second intake of 75 ambassadors – including 25 e-Services ambassadors and 50 digital ambassadors – is expected to begin on June 1.

Implemented in partnership with the National Youth Service (NYS), the programme recruits ambassadors from communities and NGOs across Gauteng’s five corridors.

Applicants must have at least a matric certificate, community or NGO involvement, residence within Gauteng’s five corridors and completed NEMISA digital literacy certification.

The department also introduced a three-day turnaround strategy for invoice payments, monitored by the office of the chief financial officer (CFO).

According to the report, delays relating to supporting payment documents and supplier compliance are monitored regularly to improve turnaround times and accountability.

In addition, the department plans to spend 7% of its procurement budget on companies owned by persons with disabilities by the end of the financial year.

Performance reporting is a legally mandated process through which government departments account to provincial legislatures on how public funds were spent and whether service delivery targets were achieved.