Author: Prof Eldrid Jordaan
I extend heartfelt congratulations to Melvyn Lubega on his appointment to lead South Africa’s new digital service unit. His experience as a tech entrepreneur and systems thinker brings fresh momentum to the country’s digital transformation journey. This is not just an appointment — it’s a statement of intent. As the founder of GovChat, South Africa’s largest citizen engagement platform, I’ve witnessed first-hand both the promise and the pain points of driving large-scale digital transformation in partnership with government. The road is not easy, but it is necessary. As we look ahead to what Melvyn’s leadership can deliver, it’s vital that we reflect…
As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss trade relations and sensitive topics such as the controversial narrative around “white genocide,” there’s a far more pressing and forward-looking issue that deserves equal attention on the agenda: the stifling grip of Big Tech on African innovation. While geopolitical discourse may dominate headlines, the quiet war on African digital sovereignty is being waged in boardrooms and courtrooms. One such example is the ongoing legal standoff between South Africa’s GovChat—a citizen engagement platform endorsed and supported by the South African government—and the American tech giant, Meta Platforms…
