The Deputy Director General of e-Government Service and Information Management (eGSIM) at the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), Mr Mandla Ncobo, participated in the official launch of South Africa’s Digital Transformation Roadmap held on May 6, 2025, at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. This initiative has four main deliverables, namely, Digital Identity; Digital Payment System; Data Exchange; and a Single Digital Channel for accessing public services, which all aim to revolutionize public services and enhance citizen engagement across the country.
DDG Ngcobo outlined the role of DPSA from a Public Service Act of 1994 perspective emphasizing that digital transformation will impact all areas of responsibility of the department. This will have to start with defining and establishing consensus on what an efficient and effective public service looks like.
The event was also attended by the Honorable Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr Solly Malatsi, accompanied by his Deputy, Mr Mondli Gungubele. The Deputy Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Ms Pinky Kekana (DPSA), was also in attendance.
In delivering his keynote address, Minister Solly Malatsi emphasized the critical need for affordable internet access and digital inclusion as fundamental pillars of the national digital strategy. He articulated that the roadmap is designed to restore trust in government by making services more reliable and accessible to all citizens.
Following the keynote, Khule Duma and Saul Musker from the Presidency’s Project Management Office presented the roadmap, outlining its three-part purpose aimed at delivering a user-centric digital government. The roadmap emphasizes the development of cohesive digital infrastructure, focusing on digital identity, data exchange, digital payments, and enhanced digital services.
Global expert Daniel Abadie, Senior Technical Advisor at the Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure, provided valuable insights on successful digital transformations worldwide, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in implementing such initiatives.
The launch featured two engaging panel discussions. The first panel, moderated by Tanya Cohen, included prominent figures such as DG Duncan Pieterse from National Treasury and Commissioner Edward Kieswetter from SARS, who unpacked the roadmap’s innovative approach to reforming public services.
The second panel, moderated by Khule Duma, focused on implementing the roadmap and featured experts from various sectors, including Mandla Ngcobo and Juanita Clark, CEO of Digital Council Africa. They discussed strategies for overcoming challenges and ensuring the successful execution of the roadmap.
The event also included an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with the experts and discuss their insights on the digital transformation landscape.
As the launch concluded, Fifi Peters highlighted the roadmap’s significance in shaping a more efficient and transparent public service. It is expected to significantly improve service delivery and foster economic growth through enhanced digital capabilities.
The Digital Transformation Roadmap represents a significant step toward a modernized public service in South Africa. It aims for a future where citizens can seamlessly and efficiently access government services.
