The State IT Agency (SITA) has pointed out that fixed technology for the R4 million Presidential Hotline only cost R1.7 million.
The line, which is set to launch this week, will enable disgruntled citizens to communicate directly with the presidency about service delivery issues. The idea was first mooted by president Jacob Zuma during his state of the nation address earlier this year.
Anthea Summers, GM of corporate communications in the CEO's office at the agency, says the entire project cost around R4 million.
She says the fixed technology infrastructure mostly leverages off SITA's existing infrastructure, which is a “huge” cost saver for the programme.
The technology platform for the telephony and service management cost R800 000, and has been built around SITA's existing platform. “This brings down the costs dramatically,” Summers notes.
In addition, SITA already runs a call centre and has existing infrastructure, but will expand it to accommodate the new service, which will cost R600 000. The licensing and maintenance costs are R300 000, says Summers.
This leaves R2.3 million unaccounted for. Vusi Mona, head of communications in the presidency, was not immediately available to explain where the balance of the R4 million is being spent.
Related stories:
R4m Pres Hotline live this month
Share
