The fact that SA is not progressing as a knowledge-based economy is a matter of concern, says a senior government official. However, he adds that recent events have given rise to some optimism.
Alan Hirsch, deputy director-general for policy coordination and advisory services within the Presidency, spoke late last week, during the release of the Development Indicators 2009 report.
He said the country's overall competiveness was clearly linked to its transformation into a knowledge-based economy.
“However, we have taken note that the Electronic Communications Act and recent court cases have freed up the regulatory regime somewhat and this will improve our overall competitiveness.”
Hirsch said other positive signs are that the Department of Communications is advanced in completing a National Broadband Policy, which would significantly increase access.
The Developmental Indicators, released by Trevor Manuel, minister in the Presidency responsible for national planning, is a set of 76 indicators that aim to measure how the country is progressing socially and economically.
SA is one of the few countries to publish such indicators and this is the third edition.
In the report, Manuel states: “South Africa has not been left unaffected by the prevailing global socio-economic conditions. Despite this, government continues to expand access to basic services, and new measures are being put in place to improve both the quantity and quality of service delivery.”
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