As provincial governments settle into the daily administration grind following this year's elections, two of SA's leading contributors to the economy have outlined technology's contribution to their plans.
Encouraging investment and decreasing unemployment are among the top plans laid out by the city of Cape Town and the Gauteng province, respectively.
Alan Winde, Western Cape MEC for economic opportunity, commended companies contributing to SA's ICT sector, noting their inventiveness and contributions are "playing a role positioning the Western Cape as the continent's innovation hub".
The city of Cape Town has also attempted to position itself as an "attractive investment destination and a breeding ground of technology innovation" by highlighting opportunities to tap into developments in SA's banking, an abundance of entrepreneurs based in the city, academic institutions, and its growing broadband network.
The plans are contained in a report, "Cape Town's Creative Software Design and Development", which was compiled in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Wesgro in a bid to boost local and foreign investment prospects in the area.
Gauteng job creation
Meanwhile, technology is placed as a prominent feature in curbing joblessness across Gauteng, according to its employment growth and development strategy.
As part of its aim to create an inclusive economy, the province highlights aims to create jobs across numerous sectors. The strategy says "emphasis is being placed on the promotion and facilitation of investment in local renewable energy technology for manufacturing facilities".
Although no specific details are noted, the Gauteng government points to plans to improve youth employment by investing in technology in areas of energy-efficiency, waste management, agricultural development and food security.
Speaking during his recent budget vote address, Gauteng MEC for economic development Lebogang Maile noted 90 people will be trained in this financial year as part of 'Coachlab' - a programme aiming to boost ICT skills by preparing post-graduate students to enter the job market.
The city has also recently highlighted plans to boost its e-government readiness by focusing on connecting its different entities.
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