The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) has recently published its *Strategic Plan 2025-2030*, titled “Gearing towards a digital services agency to enable a digital government.”
The document outlines an ambitious vision for transforming South Africa’s public sector through digital innovation.
However, critical questions remain: How will SITA execute this plan when its Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of Government is still in draft form and has not yet been finalised?
More importantly, with funding unconfirmed and priority services still being determined, can SITA realistically deliver on its promises?
This article examines SITA’s strategic initiatives, challenges, and the feasibility of its digital transformation agenda.
SITA’s Role in South Africa’s Digital Transformation
SITA plays a pivotal role in advancing South Africa’s national digital transformation agenda by aligning its strategic objectives with key national policies, frameworks, and developmental goals. This alignment ensures that SITA remains a central driver of digital innovation, improved public service delivery, and inclusive socio-economic development.
However, the Interdepartmental Working Group (IDWG) Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of Government is still in draft form and has not yet been finalised.
Currently, funding has not been confirmed, and the priority list of services is still being determined. This raises concerns about the feasibility of SITA’s plans.
Key Strategic Initiatives
SITA’s strategy aligns with the IDWG’s core initiatives, ensuring that its digital transformation efforts support the government’s broader objectives for secure, efficient, and trusted digital services.
1. Digital Identity for Secure and Remote Access
SITA will support this through the implementation of a Digital Identity Platform, enabling secure authentication and access to government services. Furthermore, the Cyber Security Centre (CSC) capability will be expanded to customers, ensuring robust protection of digital identities.
2. Data Exchange for Policy and Service Efficiency
To facilitate efficient data exchange, SITA will:
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Establish an ICT Disaster Recovery Centre
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Expand the Government Private Cloud Ecosystem
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Create a Government Data Centre Framework
These initiatives aim to provide reliable, secure, and scalable infrastructure for seamless data sharing across government entities.
3. Digital Payments for Cost-Effective Transactions
SITA will align with this initiative by implementing a Digital Payment Platform to streamline government transactions. The Cyber Security Centre capability will also be expanded to ensure the security and integrity of payment systems.
SITA’s Strategic Focus Areas
(a) Digital Infrastructure Development
SITA remains a key player in the development and maintenance of South Africa’s digital infrastructure—a foundational element for economic growth, inclusive development, and public sector efficiency. By expanding broadband connectivity, deploying innovative digital platforms, and modernising IT systems, SITA ensures that the government operates on a robust and secure digital backbone.
(b) Efficient Service Delivery Through Technology
Modernising government systems and enhancing service delivery efficiency remain central to SITA’s strategic focus. Through advanced e-government platforms and digital solutions, SITA aims to:
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Streamline government operations
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Reduce service delivery delays
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Improve transparency
(c) Bridging the Digital Divide
SITA prioritises universal access to high-quality communication services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Efforts include:
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Developing accessible online platforms
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Improving connectivity
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Implementing digital literacy initiatives
(d) Digital Skills Development
SITA invests in comprehensive digital skills training programmes for employees, fostering a culture of innovation aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
(e) Cybersecurity and Data Protection
SITA ensures compliance with laws like the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and strengthens cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard government data.
(f) Innovation and Economic Growth
SITA fosters innovation through emerging technologies (AI, IoT, cloud computing) and public-private partnerships to enhance government decision-making and service delivery.
(g) Sustainable Development and Green IT
SITA promotes energy-efficient technologies and reduces data centre energy consumption, aligning with national sustainability goals.
(h) Intergovernmental Collaboration
SITA fosters collaboration across government levels, promoting interoperable IT systems and seamless integration for better public service delivery.
(i) Alignment with National Policies
SITA’s strategy aligns with:
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Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP)
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Data and Cloud Policy
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National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper
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ICT and Digital Economy Masterplan
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National e-Government Strategy
Challenges and Risks
Despite its ambitious plans, SITA faces operational inefficiencies that could hinder progress:
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Unconfirmed funding for digital transformation initiatives
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Draft roadmap still under review
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Legacy system constraints
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Market perception and trust issues
SITA acknowledges these challenges and aims to:
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Improve customer centricity
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Strengthen partnerships with top ICT providers
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Enhance financial sustainability
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Modernise digital infrastructure
SITA’s Strategic Business Models
SITA has considered four potential business models:
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ICT Thought Leader – Research-focused, limited service delivery.
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ICT Service Broker – Similar to current model, focusing on service integration.
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Platform Business – Providing platform-as-a-service capabilities.
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Digital Services Agency (Ideal Scenario) – Full digital transformation, citizen-centric services.
SITA aims to become a State Digital Services Agency (SDSA), shifting from an internal focus to a customer-centric approach.
Governance and Execution Plan
To achieve its vision, SITA will:
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Adopt a whole-of-government approach
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Establish a centralised governance structure
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Drive data-sharing initiatives
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Implement performance metrics
The strategy will be executed through four pillars:
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Customer Centricity
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Transform Government
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Transform SITA
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Strengthen Governance
Leadership Perspectives
“The national socio-economic and public service delivery landscape is proof of the urgency, for information communication technology (ICT) to be leveraged to create a new and improved reality for government and the lives of citizens. This new reality must also be framed by a national service delivery agenda, which bases its formulation and implementation on the core values that defined the South African democracy. Equity and efficiency when designing and delivering public services, must be premised on upholding the pillars of transparency,” wrote Chairperson of SITA, Sedzani Mudau.
“Our South African SITA journey has taught us that without good governance, transparency and accountability, trust is sacrificed in our state-owned institutions; as it thoroughly breaks down both customer and employee relations. It is critical that SITA initiatives embarked upon in this era, lead to positive reforms and improvements, which builds trust and confidence in the organisational ability,” stated Mudau.
“As we work to build renewed confidence in SITA, its environmental assessment indicates that SITA must fundamentally change the way it conducts and thinks about its business,” she said.
Conclusion: A Promising Plan, But Execution is Key
SITA’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030 outlines a bold vision for digital transformation. However, without a finalised roadmap, confirmed funding, or clear quick wins, skepticism remains.
I have observed the following:
“After reading SITA’s Strategic Plan for the next five years, I’m left with no clue how SITA will digitally transform the state and ensure service delivery is improved. The plan is just a wish list and explanation of what they wish to achieve, but there is not even a section where they talk about quick wins. Go read the 94-page strategic plan document and tell me a different view.”
For SITA to succeed, it must:
- Finalise the Digital Transformation Roadmap
- Secure funding commitments
- Deliver measurable quick wins
- Rebuild trust through transparency
Only then can SITA truly become the leading digital services agency it aspires to be.
That said, ambitious plans are meaningless without execution.
Will SITA’s digital transformation journey lead to real change, or will it remain another unfulfilled government promise?
1 Comment
It’s really sad in that SITA’s original (and current) vision is actually solid and valid in consolidating the IT skills across government to render more innovative and effective services, but it has really suffered from bad leadership, constant turnarounds, and veering away from its original purpose. Plans are great but they are a general rehashing of all previous plans. SITA will be lost unless it actually delivers. Some examples of red flags are:
1. More than one turn around strategy — takes the focus away from fixing actual issues.
2. Original eGov strategy was to be open sourced and shared with industry and depts, not sold.
3. Pioneering of open standards, but then dropping into Microsoft’s pocket and not standing firm.
4. Pioneering the switch to Linux in late 2000’s and then dropping that a month before roll out.
There were a lot of bolder plans that were 80 to 90% delivered, and then abandoned. Maybe there is just too many new replanning of things.