ICT dominates DOC strategy

The Department of Communications (DOC) expressed a strong focus on ICT development, policy implementation and skills in its 2011-2014 strategic plan.

The DOC says there are six key pillars in its turnaround strategy. The plan includes stabilising its public entities; reconstructing and developing the DOC; forging partnerships with the private sector, academia, civil society organisations and labour; building an integrated national broadband plan; and building a people-centred inclusive information society and knowledge-based economy.

Its last pillar covers its major projects for the medium-term, which include the E-skills Institute; rural ICT development; e-connectivity and the 2010 legacy; and a local and digital content development strategy.

“The abovementioned six pillars are intended to establish a new platform, creating the necessary wave of change that will lead the ministry and department to actualise the vision that the DOC has set for itself of being a global leader in the development and use of ICT for socio-economic development and the betterment of people's lives,” says the DOC.

It says it will ensure the approval of an integrated ICT policy framework and introduce the Public Service Broadcasting Bill to Parliament in order to help accelerate the growth of SA's economy through the development and implementation of ICT policies, legislation and strategies.

“The department will also focus on the implementation of an ICT rural development strategy to improve socio-economic conditions in targeted communities.”

The DOC's focus will also be on enabling the provision of a multiplicity of ICT applications and service through facilitating the modernisation of the infrastructure.

“In so doing, the DOC will facilitate the roll-out of the 2010 Fifa World Cup legacy plan so as to ensure the optimal utilisation of all World Cup-related ICT infrastructure.”

The department says it will create new competitive business opportunities for the growth of the ICT industry by developing and implementing a national incentive.

“Facilitation of the growth and development of SMEs [small and medium enterprises], as well as improving their sustainability through the use of ICT, will be prioritised as the department will develop an e-commerce platform for SMEs, facilitate ICT business linkages, facilitate the establishment of two ICT hubs in two under-served provinces, and most importantly, monitor the implementation of the action plan to benefit SMEs in the broadcasting digital migration value chain.”

The DOC will also focus on developing trade and investment opportunities for the ICT sector in SA through evaluating and strengthening trade arrangements within existing bilateral relations and multilateral trade agreements, in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry.

The department says it will continue with its youth offender e-literacy training programme and increase ICT skills via a network of universities and FET colleges, in an effort to contribute to the ICT skills base and increase access to and uptake of ICT.

“The department will also focus on increasing universal access and services to ICT through coming up with measures to improve spectrum usage in accordance with the national radio spectrum policy.”

The DOC also says it will promote the ICT agenda across all stakeholders and spheres of government to ensure integrated and efficient service delivery to communities.

“The department will continue to facilitate the building of an inclusive information society to improve quality of life through facilitating the implementation of the programmes of the South African e-Skills Council, the national ISAD [Information Society and Development] Council and the ISAD IGR [Intergovernmental Relations] Forum, among others.”

“As part of SA's contribution to the global ICT agenda in prioritising Africa's development, the department will also support the African agenda and promote development in Africa through active participation in and implementation of Nepad and other African multilateral and bilateral ICT programmes.”

The DOC adds that this will be achieved by strengthening ICT structures in the Southern African Development Community through the submission and advocating of country position papers.

“Priority will also be given to strengthening South-South cooperation to support mutual economic development largely through the implementation of the IBSA [India-Brazil-SA] Information Society Annual Programme.

“Furthermore, to forge North-South relations in order to increase ICT skills development through international training and socio-economic development.”