Public sector growth through connectivity

T he provincial government’s long term plan to use broadband to improve service delivery and ensure cost effectiveness will see telephone bills reduced to zero by using broadband.
This was according to Baldwin Ramasobane, acting CEO of Limpopo Connexion, who laid out the plan during the third edition of the Public Sector Information and Communications Technology Forum (PSICTF) hosted by MTN Business in Polo­kwane on Tuesday.
The PSICTF is a platform where public sector ICT decision-makers discuss a range of topics that are key to innovation in this space. On the agenda were two topics central to many of MTN Business’ strategies of facilitating nationwide growth; the role of broadband in driving economic development and service delivery, especially in Limpopo, and the evolving role of the chief information officer (CIO).
MTN Business general manager for the public sector, David Mphelo said MTN was excited to be a part of any initiative where they joined forces with the public sector to share best practice and explore how to best harness the transformative power of connectivity to drive productivity and the delivery of important services to ratepayers.
He said broadband connectivity has become an integral driver of economic growth, job creation and social inclusion. “A 10% increase in broadband access results in improved efficiency and an increase in per capita GDP of up to 1,38%,” he added.
MTN, through its MTN SA Foundation, has partnered with the departments of Education and Health to roll out multimedia centres, and digitise curricula in schools and nursing colleges, throughout the country.
Christo Abrahams, chief technology architect with the State Information Technology Agency (Sita) Cloud Project said with the speedy progress of technology, the role of the CIO is constantly changing. “We need to change our thinking, there is a need to capacitate people and create the right environment for technology to flourish,” he said.
Mphelo said he anticipates that the role of the CIO will increasingly come into the spotlight as various other sectors of the economy gradually adopt ICT solutions. “As technological advancements increase in pace, CIOs will have to keep up with the accompanying changes and adapt to new roles and responsibilities. Modern CIOs are tasked with the challenges of creating value for the business, developing innovative business processes, taking on the big data challenge, driving the implementation of emerging technology, and facilitating an increasingly mobile workforce.”
In conclusion Mphelo said MTN Business has a range of innovative solutions to help the public sector enhance efficiencies, and work towards limiting societal and environmental ills.

Story and photo: KAREN VENTER
>>karen@observer.co.za