Research on the Performance of the Services Sector

5.10. Provincial Governments

On a provincial level, each province is responsible for developing and implementing strategies and policies to promote and grow the ICT sector. These strategies and policies are aligned with the National objectives set out by the Department of Communications. The provincial strategies, policies, initiatives and interventions are outlined in the following paragraphs.

5.10.1. Western Cape

The main goals of the Western Cape are to improve government service delivery and citizen participation through the use of ICT technologies and information management.

e-Learning Initiative

The Western Cape has implemented the e-Learning initiative. This initiative’s projects include⁶⁴:

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  The Khanya Technology in Education project, which aims to improve teaching and learning through the use of ICT technologies in schools,
  
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  The Dassie project, which aims to improve teaching and learning in Further Education and Training Colleges through implementation of ICT technologies,
  
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  The Telecommunications project, which has already linked almost all schools in the Western Cape to the internet- except for a few which still struggle with electricity connections,
  
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  The WCED Online project, which aims to provide web-based information and services regarding the education department to learners, teachers, parents, school administrators and partners in education,
  
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  The E-curriculum project, which aims to develop unique ways of using ICT technologies and services for the development, delivery and support of school curricula
  

ICT to Rural Libraries Project

The Western Cape introduced the “ICT to Rural Libraries” project in 2008. This project seeks to provide internet access to rural communities as well as a computerized library and information system (called CPALS) in these communities. These rural communities will have subsequent access to electronic information resources. These resources also provide a platform through which to acquire and practice ICT skills. Grants have been received from the National Department of Arts and Culture and over 50 communities were expected to be connected by 2010⁶⁵.

Cape Gateway

The Western Cape Government launched an initiative called the “Cape Gateway”. This project aims to provide information about government departments and services online- government projects and services can be searched by the public through Cape Gateway. This is an example of e-Government as practiced by the Western Cape⁶⁶.

Western Cape Support/Development Programmes

The Cape information Technology Initiative (CITI)

The Cape information Technology Initiative (CITI) is an initiative funded by the Western Cape Government and private entities, which aims to develop the local ICT industry through services such as business development, skills training, networking and research. Furthermore the CITI identifies potential projects, sources funding and monitors the successes and progress of these projects. The mission of the initiative is to support the growth, promotion and transformation of the ICT sector in the Western Cape.

Eastern Cape

The main goals of the Eastern Cape are to create an empowered, connected and informed province using ICT technologies to stimulate the economy through skills development.

Impala Eastern Cape Provincial Co-operative Development Fund

In 2010 the Eastern Cape’s ICT industry was identified (amongst others such as tourism, chemicals, textiles and more) by the Eastern Cape Economic Development and Environmental Affairs Department as one of the candidates for a share of R50 million in support funds from the Impala Eastern Cape Provincial Co-operative Development Fund. It aims to promote the viability and competitiveness of co-operatives and supports manufacturing and services sectors of the industry⁶⁷.

e-Government Initiatives

The Eastern Cape’s provincial government is supporting e-government initiatives. E-government projects have been launched and are expected to increase service delivery throughout all sectors within both provincial and municipal government. This project strives to add to ideas of the Eastern Cape providing a good quality of life for all, a compelling place to live, work and investment opportunities and balanced and integrated development as steps are being taken to move forward through providing ICT services for the people and their government. Two particular municipalities are to be assisted through e-government: King Sabata Dalindyebo and Mbizana, enabling broader access to information, better service delivery, transparent governance and citizen participation in these particular communities. The e-governance projects in the Eastern Cape provide further support to already-existing initiatives which are supporting the areas of Finance, Human Resources, Local Economic Development, Technical Services and Information & Communication Technology systems⁶⁸.

The e-Education Initiative

An e-Education initiative was launched in the Eastern Cape. The project was launched in 2006. Through ICT Schools, E-Schools and E-Administration, the Eastern Cape provided a comprehensive platform for e-Education in the province. In line with the e-Education White Paper, the province provided a new information and communications technology environment in education. Through this project, government ensured that schools that are connected via networks, are connected to the internet, and can communicate electronically and that ICT facilities and support are provided to the community through public schools. This initiative has benefitted rural and local communities and has promoted economic development through education and skills development. The initiative has provided technology like computers, printers, scanners, satellite dishes and more through government and private-sector partnership⁶⁹.

Eastern Cape Support/Development Programmes

Eastern Cape Development Corporation

The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) is the Eastern Cape’s provincial economic development agency, implementing economic development policies of the Eastern Cape Government and owned by the Eastern Cape Government. The ECDC promotes growth of the local economy and local businesses. It offers finance to SMME’s which can benefit the local economy, it promotes investment in local business, promotes global economy and export and it offers services such as business planning, IT support, market development and networking. It aids the creation and acquisition of business projects, helps development of local and rural investment and development and offers aid in finding suitable business premises.

Eastern Cape Information Technology Initiative (ECITI)

Specifically for the ICT industry, the Eastern Cape Information Technology Initiative (ECITI) has been launched by ECDC. This programme provides support to local ICT SMMEs. It provides a local ICT business incubation hub, provides software research and development opportunities and education, a Technology park which offers support to entrepreneurs and SMMEs, and the supply and maintenance of telecommunications services in the province and their potential for growth and outsourcing/ off shoring.

5.10.3. Limpopo

The main goals of Limpopo are to promote sustainable development, education, and knowledge so that individuals can utilize ICTs to full advantage and improve their quality of life.

Business Incubation Programme

Limpopo has launched The Business Incubation Programme- the long term goals of which include encouraging IT business entrepreneurs in Limpopo to progress and turn community-based ideas into business ventures. This is expected to raise Limpopo’s Technology Entrepreneurial Activities (TEA) index rating from 3 to 6 between 2009 and 2014. The initiative focuses on keeping an educated workforce, attracting investments, developing economy through knowledge creation and job creation through entrepreneurship in the province.

Open Access Broadband Wide Area Network Programme

Limpopo’s Provincial Open Access Broadband Wide Area Network Programme strives to provide cheap broadband connectivity to provincial government departments, local municipalities, health institutions, businesses and eventually all Limpopo residents- particularly in rural areas. It seeks to attract multinational corporations, ICT entrepreneurship, and a skilled, educated workforce to work and stay in the province. This, in turn, supports economic development, investment and talent attraction.

Limpopo’s ICT Institute Programme

Limpopo’s ICT Institute Programme aims to produce ICT skills which are lacking in the provincial industry, for societal and economic development. Its objectives include further skills training so that skilled individuals are market-ready and job-ready. Improving ICT skill levels of the community at large is also a goal and this serves to bridge the digital divide- equipping citizens for participation in global economy and enhancing their educational and economic opportunities. This results in job creation and reduced poverty and increased ICT services and skills for the public and private sectors⁷⁰. The Limpopo government aims to reduce unemployment amongst the youth, women and the marginalized- this is to be achieved partially through business process outsourcing and off shoring⁷¹.

Limpopo Support/Development Programmes

Limpopo Economic Development Enterprise (LIMDEV)

Limdev is the Limpopo Economic Development Enterprise- the provincial government body responsible for the growth and development of SMMEs and industry. This body offers assistance and financing to SMMEs in the province through their Enterprise Development Finance Division. It has also launched a project specifically for the local ICT industry aimed at skills training and development.

Northern Cape

The main goals of the Northern Cape are to promote sustainable development, education, and knowledge so that individuals can utilize ICTs to full advantage and improve their quality of life.

The Northern Cape does not have a specific strategy for ICT development and growth however there are initiatives in place to promote the industry.

In 2011, the Northern Cape local municipality required ICT services addressing issues of standardization, a need for improved control and security, and ageing LAN and WAN infrastructure. A partnership with Integr8 aimed to address this situation and fulfill requirements covering server, virtualization, directory, and messaging platforms. The initiative aims to improve the municipality’s IT infrastructure’s overall security, stability, manageability and availability. Through seeking these products and services from local business (Integr8), The Northern Cape government is stimulating and encouraging growth in the local ICT industry.

Thintana i-Learn

The Northern Cape in partnership with Telkom and strategic partners has also funded a R21 million project named Thintana i-Learn. This project is supported by schoolNet SA and the National Department of Education’s Centre for Educational Technology and Distance Education. This project provided 18 Northern Cape schools with between 10 and 20 networked computers and training.

KwaZulu-Natal

The main goal of KwaZulu-Natal is to promote e-skills knowledge production.

KwaZulu Natal e-Skills Initiative

KwaZulu-Natal implemented an e-Skills initiative in 2010. An objective of this initiative is to establish an e-Skills Knowledge production and Coordination Hub in the province, to be launched by Deputy Minister of Communications, Obed Bapela. The province seeks to develop citizens’ e-skills and their ability to use and develop ICTs in the context of an information society and knowledge economy. Raising citizens’ ICT competencies will enable them to participate in advancement of business, government and society in general⁷².

Metro Connect

KwaZulu-Natal launched the Metro Connect programme in 2008. This initiative involved the sale of spare capacity on the municipal fibre network at a discounted rate. An expected result of this is the attraction of new ICT businesses into the province.

Digital Communication Hubs

KwaZulu-Natal has launched an initiative which aims to bridge the digital divide through the establishment of twelve digital community hubs. These hubs have been set up in rural areas such as Hammarsdale, Umzumbe, Vryheid, Mandeni and Edendale⁷³.

5.10.6. Free State

The main goals of the Free State are to develop SMMEs and to stimulate growth in the economy through ICT development.

Regional Innovation Strategy

The Free State Has Launched an initiative aiming to develop provincial Regional Innovation Strategy- it intends to provide a friendly business climate and environment to enhance innovation capabilities of firms located in Free State’s proposed innovation Hub.

SMME Incubation Hub

The Free State has launched an initiative called the “SMME Incubation Hub”- this project has an investment value of R100 million. This initiative aims to provide physical space to new ICT businesses and to provide service to help these businesses in their early stages of development. Services include: business support, help with access to finance, management coaching and business administrative services to help small developing businesses.

Free State Support/Development Programmes

The Free State Development Corporation (FDC) offers non-financial support to SMMEs in the ICT sector. The support includes assistance in identifying investment opportunities, assistance with securing business premises and funds and providing assistance with development of local and international markets.

Gauteng

The main goals of Gauteng are to enhance ICT infrastructure and improve service delivery and create jobs in the CT industry.

Blue IQ

Blue IQ, as an agency of Gauteng’s Provincial Government, has provided initiatives for economic growth and development in the province. Blue IQ initiatives seek to develop growth in Business tourism, sports tourism, high value added manufacturing, logistics, property asset management, energy and ICT sectors. Blue IQ delivers strategic economic infrastructure to the ICT sector and aims for sustainable economic growth in the sector, indirectly contributing to job creation and profit. Blue IQ invests in projects with growth potential.

Gauteng Shared Services Centre

The Gauteng Shared Services Centre (GSCC) is involved with the government on several initiatives- it has been incorporated into the Gauteng department of finance. This body centralizes the province’s technology projects. One such project is Gauteng’s e-Governance initiative- the Gauteng Online project. This project has information and details on Gauteng government and its projects online for citizens to browse and search.

In 2009, R100 million was assigned to provincial ICT infrastructure programmes. One such ICT infrastructure project- the largest of them all- was the Gauteng Link: a multi-billion rand broadband project which promises to deliver broadband internet to the people of Gauteng⁷⁴. The project was expected to be completed by 2010 but, due to a lack of funding, had not even been started by late 2010⁷⁵.

Gauteng Support/Development Programmes

Blue Catalyst

Blue Catalyst is a development intervention initiative for entrepreneurs and small businesses, funded by the Gauteng provincial government. Blue Catalyst started the Blue IQ project which focuses on building skills and providing funding and credibility to the ICT industry’s technology and knowledge-based business opportunities. It provides a network of finance providers, mentors and business advisers to entrepreneurs in the industry, helping to build a support network to aid the development of SMMEs. Business plans, funding of up to R1 million, skills advice, and powerful online networking are provided through this online-platform initiative.

Gauteng Enterprise Propeller

The Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) offers financial and non-financial support to SMMEs in Gauteng. Services provided include access to finance, competitive lending rates, access to support skills and information, and advice and guidance on business skills.

5.10.8. Mpumalanga

The main goals of Mpumalanga are to promote infrastructure development, skills development, SMMEs and industry development in ICT, and improve public service efficiency through the use of ICT interventions.

Emalahleni Career Guidance and Information Communication Technology Resource Center

In 2010 Mpumalanga launched the Emalahleni Career Guidance and Information Communication Technology Resource Center. This initiative was started by the Mpumalanga Department of Education and the National Department of Mineral Resources with members of the private sector like MTN, Anglo American, Vodacom and Eskom. The center will provide for school communities and out-of-school youths in the Emalahleni region in Mpumalanga⁷⁶.

Mpumalanga Support/Development Programmes

The Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) offers financial and non-financial support to ICT businesses as well as businesses in other sectors. The financial support includes bridging finance and loans. Non-financial support includes training, marketing and branding, business counseling and assistance with legislative compliance.

North West

The main goals of the North West are to empower rural communities as well as develop ICT knowledge and skills in the province.

In 2009, the North West Province identified the city of Potchefstroom was aiming to be Africa’s first cyber city. This welcomed partnerships with the local university, which offers great potential research and development in the ICT sector as well as the potential for offering ICT services throughout the country and even the continent⁷⁷.

In November 2010, the Northwest launched an initiative to improve government efficiency through access and use of ICT technologies such as VoIP, Fax Gateway, Video Conferencing, internet and Email.The North West has provided learning centres, Public internet access in libraries and tribal community centres in an effort to stimulate provincial and local social and economic development.

An initiative by the North West to leverage investment in ICT infrastructure in 2010 saw the implementation of nodal points for broadband connectivity and distribution in the province- to be used by Government offices and fan parks. The North West has prioritised the fostering of a knowledge economy through ICTs and as such has facilitated the rollout of e-Learning centres in schools, public internet access in libraries and coordination with the African Drive project and the Dinaledi Schools initiative.

The Northwest Province is utilising and developing the use of ICT services, at a local and rural level, through the deployment of various ICT technologies for improving healthcare information and interventions. Such ICT technologies to be used include individual and specialised Health Portals, Health information and Health Monitoring systems. The North West Province launched an initiative in collaboration with Thusong service Centres to provide ICT services for innovation and knowledge management in order to speed up the contribution of the ICT sector to economic development and innovation⁷⁸.