Mbeki commits to technology university

Johannesburg, 08 Feb 2002

President Thabo Mbeki has committed the government to establishing a university dedicated to information and communications technology (ICT).

"In addition to the many programmes we have introduced in this area, including tele-centres, we shall as a matter of urgency complete the work towards the establishment of an ICT university," he said during his "State of the Nation" address today.

The idea of such an institution is not new to government circles. The concept is believed to have originated with Department of Communications director-general Andile Ngcaba. His department has since 1998 been behind a technology training programme at the Institute for Satellite and Software Applications. The premises were previously used in a project to develop a local spy satellite.

Mbeki`s commitment was apparently at least partially triggered by advice from the high-powered presidential councils, the formation of which was announced in his speech last year.

"Studies that we have conducted and interaction with the Presidential ICT Councils... have shown that a critical and pervasive element in economic development in the current age is the optimum utilisation of information and communications technology," Mbeki said today.

No details of the planned institution are yet available.

Mbeki also admitted to government failure in the area of its telecommunications policy. Citing a recent study by the University of Stellenbosch, he said among the 16% of government promises not upheld were the failure to yet publicly list Telkom and a lack of clarity on telecommunications issues.

"The weaknesses pointed out by the Stellenbosch researchers reflect a variety of limitations in the structures and systems of government that should be put right," Mbeki said. "We can proffer a host of cogent reasons for these and other shortcomings. But, to the extent that we have the capacity to do something about the problems, we should and do take responsibility as government."

In a departure from his prepared speech, Mbeki announced that Microsoft would supply around 32 000 South African schools with free software. Microsoft has confirmed its commitment to do so and says it will supply a "broad range of products" to the schools. The donation is expected to save the government in the region of R100 million per year.

A government advisory body recently recommended that the government use open source software rather than proprietary systems, such as Microsoft products.