South Africa’s critical government sectors, such as public transportation, healthcare, and finance, are under increasing pressure to modernize their operations to meet the demands of a digital-first world.
With global advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and data management, South Africa faces an urgent need to adopt similar technologies to keep up. Experts argue that upgrading core infrastructure with smart, efficient systems is essential for improving public services, enhancing security, and supporting job growth.
Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, Director-General of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, spoke on these challenges at a recent industry summit, pointing to the need for up-tp-date data management and cloud solutions.
DRIVING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
“Our priority remains driving the digital transformation process. This will enable inclusive growth and job creation while addressing essential services like healthcare, education, security, and e-government,” said Jordan-Dyani. To achieve this, she stressed that public cloud infrastructure will play a central role, ensuring that data sovereignty and security remain under South African control.
To advance these goals, the South African government has engaged with various companies such as Huawei Cloud in deploying cloud infrastructure in various countries.
While some government entities have already started collaborating with the technology provider on specific projects, the company now aims to bring its technical capabilities to more sectors.
Speaking at the summit, Huawei South Africa CEO Will Meng described how cloud infrastructure underpins digital progress, stating, “Without cloud, digital transformation remains limited.” Meng also referenced Huawei’s work with other countries in AI and cloud technology, indicating that South Africa could benefit from similar solutions, particularly for public services that rely on vast amounts of data.
TRANSNET DIGITISES PORTS
Transnet, the state-owned transport utility, has already leveraged cloud technology to improve port operations and enhance security.
Transnet CIO Pandelani Munyai explained that the state-own entity was digitising their ports in its efforts to improve its service delivery. “We are transforming our infrastructure, which is critical to meeting growing demands,” he said.
Standard Bank also announced that it would be collaborating with with Huawei Cloud to centralize its digital data management across the continent, which the bank sees as essential for compliance and effective service delivery.
Meanwhile, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) also confirmed at the summit with it will look to cloud techonology to build an intelligent railway system.
“These upgrades include moving from virtualisation to a hybrid cloud platform, which currently reduces theft and increases operational efficiency by 80%,” the agency said.
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