Cyber crime may hinder deployment of the government cloud, says public service and administration minister Richard Baloyi.
“I am certain that I do not have to emphasise the benefits that cloud computing holds for SA in reducing the cost and increasing the ability of government to render services to all citizens,” said the minister, at the annual GovTech conference, in Durban, yesterday.
He added that the threat of cyber crime on government information security, however, may hinder the deployment of the government cloud.
“I must from the onset indicate that I am fully committed to SITA's [the State IT Agency's] programme for the deployment of the government cloud, hence the significance for all of us to accept that we are into it - the fight against cyber crime.”
The minister said government's commitment is based on the reality that it needs to deliver more with less budget, and for this reason, IT must provide innovative ways to enable government service delivery.
“It must be noted that the impact of less government budgets is felt more on the IT space.”
Baloyi also said government is clear the provision of IT goods and services must be achieved through a partnership with the industry.
Breaking silence
“We need to ensure that all citizens, regardless of geographical location, economic and employment status, can access valuable information about government services that will ultimately empower them to make better choices.”
The minister said ICT-based connected government efforts are aimed at improved cooperation between governmental agencies, allowing for enhanced, active and effective consultation and engagement with citizens, and greater involvement with multi-stakeholders regionally and internationally.
“In essence, it elevates the citizen from being an inactive and silent consumer of government services, to an active participant in determining the kinds of services they require and how those should be delivered.”
In addition to increasing its connectedness, government has committed to convene an inter-departmental forum to respond to several issues, including broadband implementation acceleration; SITA pricing sign-off for the implementation of the revised SITA prices; and finalising the government-wide ICT strategy.
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