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South Africa: Government attempts to improve country’s infrastructure Print E-mail
Friday, 20 July 2007
South Africa’s government has committed to revitalising the country’s telecommunications infrastructure and improving technology skills in recognition that technology plays a significant part in overcoming poverty.

Several government initiatives addressing the information and communications technology (ICT) sector are being grouped under a new program called “ICT for All”. Deputy Communications Minister Radhakrishna Padayachee has called on all companies in the sector to back the government’s goals.

Part of the new program will be overhauling the existing system of telecentres after the failure of many computing and telephony centres in rural areas. In addition, the government is investigating the One Laptop per Child scheme developed by Nicholas Negroponte. Steps are also being taken to develop a better broadband strategy.

Padayachee said: "The programme has been brewing for the last six to eight months and now we have put it together and set up an institute to drive it."

Housing numerous technology initiatives under the ICT for All banner would avoid duplication of effort, Padayachee said. The department was already working on policy changes to lower telecommunications costs, modernise and expand technology infrastructure and improve ICT skills.

"There is indeed a tremendous ICT skills deficit in this country," he said. "If South Africa is to be a leading nation in the knowledge economy we have to overhaul our policies, infrastructure, human capital and research and development. What is needed is nothing short of a revolution in ICT to make South Africa a winning nation among the global best."

Source: Business Day - WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News.