Minister unveils digital technology for Limpopo municipalities

Limpopo

Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, has on Tuesday 3 September, officially launched the Broadband and Digital Skills Programme for all Limpopo municipalities.

Malatsi launched the programme at the Ranch Hotel in Polokwane with an aim to empower councillors with digital skills to improve their capacity to better serve the people of South Africa. 

The project aligns with the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy which was approved by the cabinet in August 2020.   

The initiative is a partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the British High Commission, as part of the declaration of intent signed between the South African Government and the United Kingdom, under the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) Fund.   

During the launch, the minister was joined by the British High Commissioner, Antony Phillipson, representatives from the Limpopo Provincial Government, SALGA Limpopo as well as the district and local municipalities.

 Delivering a keynote address, Minister Malatsi said the programme aims to empower municipal managers and councillors to steer the deployment of broadband infrastructure in an inclusive manner to reach as many people as possible.

“More so those who are digitally disconnected from the rest of the world or have been left behind by many current digital advances,” he said.

Malatsi indicated that the ultimate goal of the programme is to empower municipalities with the skills so that they can improve service delivery and enhance public participation so that they can contribute in decision making within the government.

Speaking on behalf of the premier, MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), Basikopo Makamu, said the initiative marks a pivotal moment in the provincial journey towards a digitally inclusive future, one where every citizen, regardless of their location, has access to the opportunities that the digital era offers.

“By equipping our councillors, local agricultural agents, community leaders, and educators with the digital skills they need, we empower them to leverage Artificial Intelligence and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. This ensures that the benefits of connectivity and technological advancements are realized for the betterment of all residents, enhancing educational outcomes, and preparing our youth and communities to thrive in an interconnected global economy,” he said.

Makamu added that in rural areas, where traditional avenues for economic growth are limited, the combination of broadband access and digital skills training can be truly transformative.

“It opens up new possibilities for education, healthcare and entrepreneurship, providing residents with the tools they need to improve their livelihoods. Farmers, for example, can access real-time market data, students can engage in online learning, and small businesses can reach customers far beyond their immediate geographic area,” explained Makamu.

The acting premier said the partnership between the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, the South African Local Government Association and the British High Commission, under the UK Prosperity Fund ODA resources, is a powerful testament to the collaborative efforts required to propel our municipalities into the digital age.

“This programme is not just about technological advancement, it is about empowering our councillors and local agents in municipalities with the digital skills necessary to enhance service delivery and stimulate economic growth,” he said.

Makamu expressed gratitude to the minister, stating that his confidence in choosing Limpopo to launch the programme is a testament to the progress they have made and the potential they hold to lead the way in digital transformation.

“We are honoured by this opportunity and committed to making the most of it for the benefit of our communities. Let us work together to make this programme a resounding success, setting the stage for a digitally empowered future for our province and our nation,” concluded Makamu.

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