The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) took to the sky on 26 October 2000 with the launch of its new logo and the announcement of its newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Colin van Schalkwyk. SITA, now in its second year, hosted a gala evening at Vodaworld to celebrate the occasion with distinguished guests comprising of Directors-General, respected leaders in Information Technology (IT) and the media.
Minister for Public Service and Administration, Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi gave a key note address on the subjects of IT in Government and the importance of an organisation like SITA to assist Government in rendering better public service cost-effectively. "In the light of its mandate - to serve as the information systems facility of the State, chiefly responsible for the management and execution of IT-related work for, and on behalf of Government - SITA's "whole-of-government" IT procurement policy aims to ensure hat Government receives value for money when dealing with IT procurement", The minister also emphasised the importance of government-wide consent and participation in SITA through all 33 national departments and 9 provinces in order to make it work.
SITA chairperson Sello Rasethaba said that there is a need to separate IT acquisitions from the traditional procurement of goods and services in Government. "Government is exploring suitable IT business models, crucial to control the disturbing foregoing trends in the process. SITA, was created, among others, to immediately ensure that government IT: firstly, operates in a secure environment, secondly, government IT networks talk to each other and thirdly to exploit government's potential for economies of scale and finally, to eliminate unnecessary IT duplication" Rasethaba said. Rasethaba also spoke of SITA's relationship with its customers as being its only true asset. This is due to the Agency striving to be a "zero asset" manufacturer. He explained that SITA "manufactures" its products by striking outsourcing deals with strategic partners.
It was also the honour of the Minister and Mr Rasethaba to jointly announce, in his absence, the appointment of the Agency's new CEO. Mr Colin van Schalkwyk.
Kgabo Badimo, SITA Acting Executive Manager Marketing explained the organisations key mission to empower citizens and the government through the transformation of the public service delivery system. He hopes that the poorest of the poor will also benefit from SITA's IT work to make life bearable and worthwhile for them.
Following the various addresses, SITA unveiled its new logo boasting a green-striped Africa surrounded by three blue symmetrical circular shapes, symbolising the embracing of Africa, in the spirit of Ubuntu. The revolving effect around Africa symbolises the fostering of unity and echoes movement and dynamism of IT in the African Renaissance.
Share
