Telkom Group CEO Serame Taukobong has pledged that the telecom giant will intervene to ensure South Africa avoids “digital loadshedding” if the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) fails.
Speaking at the 45th Southern African Telecommunications Association (SATA) Annual Conference, Taukobong stated that Telkom, through its subsidiaries BCX, Openserve, and Telkom Consumer, is ready to step in and stabilise the country’s digital infrastructure.
SITA Crisis Sparks Government Clash
SITA has become a contentious issue between Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi and Portfolio Committee Chairperson Khusela Diko.
Malatsi has proposed new regulations allowing government departments to bypass SITA for IT procurement, arguing it will improve efficiency and reduce costs. However, Diko has condemned the move as unlawful, warning it could further cripple the already struggling agency.
Business Leaders Warn of Investment Risks
During a SATA panel discussion, Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) CEO Busisiwe “Busi” Mavuso highlighted the risks of dysfunctional public institutions like SITA, stating they undermine South Africa’s appeal as an investment destination.
“We cannot position South Africa as an investment hub if key institutions like SITA are failing,” Mavuso said. “Digital transformation cannot succeed if critical entities are dysfunctional.”
While she commended Minister Malatsi’s efforts to reform SITA, Mavuso warned that attracting investment would remain futile unless systemic issues are resolved.
“We must fix our institutions first, only then can we be taken seriously,” she emphasised.
Telkom’s Commitment to Digital Stability
Taukobong’s remarks signal Telkom’s willingness to support South Africa’s digital infrastructure amid SITA’s challenges. With the agency’s future in question, Telkom’s intervention could be crucial in preventing disruptions to government and business IT services.
Key Takeaways:
-
Telkom offers backup support if SITA fails.
-
SITA reforms spark debate between government officials.
-
Business leaders warn dysfunctional institutions deter investment.
-
Digital transformation hinges on stable IT infrastructure.
By addressing SITA’s inefficiencies, South Africa can strengthen its digital economy and secure its position as a competitive investment destination.
What is SITA?
SITA’s role is to consolidate and coordinate the State’s information technology resources to achieve cost savings through scale, increase delivery capabilities and enhance interoperability.
The organisation is committed to leveraging Information Technology (IT) as a strategic resource for government, managing the IT procurement and delivery process to ensure that the South African government gets value for money, increased productivity; qualitative solutions, services and products; and uses best practice IT approaches in its modernisation and the delivery of services to all citizens.
SITA currently offers end-to-end solutions across a complete spectrum of IT services to multiple national, provincial and local government departments.
SITA views ICT’s as a national socio-economic game changer; through which ICT investment must be equated with growth, impact and citizen satisfaction. The organisation’s value proposition, ensures that it drives the progress of a connected government; that it supports government with secure and well maintained IT infrastructure, and that its outputs and outcomes are measured through quantifiable public service delivery interventions.
