PROPERTY & INVESTMENT
14 L E A D E R S H I P G O V E R M E N T
A need for government oversight
The Digital Council Africa is positive about the role of government as a key enabler of the digital economy and has always made its expertise available to work alongside national and provincial governments in many different capacities . Whether it is on working committees , forums , think tanks or providing general commentary , the Digital Council Africa seeks to be on the righthand side of government , bringing practical elements to the discussion around the deployment of digital infrastructure .
This contribution cannot be overstated . Ask anyone about the future of global economies , and they will tell you that technology , in some capacity , lies at the heart of every future rand earned . The South African government is aware of the role the digital economy can play in our own future , and this proposition plays a pivotal role in the South African Country Investment Strategy ( CIS ). At provincial level , a ‘ jobs war room ’ has been established that is focused on how different economies can create jobs . Juanita represents the digital economy , a vital component of a discussion that is critical to the fate of our country over the next few years . At Infrastructure South Africa , digital infrastructure is acknowledged as a critical enabler of a South Africa that is globally competitive .
But we still have important questions that need answering . How do we achieve universal broadband ? How do we eradicate the digital divide ? How do we build an inclusive society that offers equal access and opportunity for all who wish to participate in the digital economy ?
According to Juanita , there is buy-in from the highest levels in government , including the office of the President , which has , through Operation Vulindlela , put in place mechanisms to remove red tape associated with the deployment of infrastructure . It is clear that the white paper gathering and information overloading