- Gauteng has said that it will use the R1.5 billion budget it received for eGovernment to roll out new digital technologies across the province.
- These include new internet locations, crime prevention tech, and for ICT skills development.
- The MEC for eGovernment said that the budget is a “positive step in the right direction.”
The Gauteng Department of eGovernment, which oversees the province’s digital infrastructure and electronic services, has received a budget of over R1.5 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year.
It said that the budget will be an investment that “will drive the continued digital transformation of the province, focusing on improving connectivity, enhancing citizen access to services, and building a digitally smart province.”
The department detailed plans to create a “smart city region” in Gauteng in May 2025, describing the acceleration of strategies that will introduce new digitalisation across the province, including services and access to digital technologies.
“We are entering a critical implementation phase that will define the digital landscape of Gauteng for years to come,” a department spokesperson said.
“This is not just about digitising processes but using technology to improve lives, especially in previously disadvantaged communities.”
It is planning the continued rollout of free internet services to underserved areas, including 26 priority townships, as well as introducing new CCTV camera networks, rolling out more physical ePanic buttons, adding services to the Gauteng Digital Platform, and finally boosting ICT skills.
The department claims the province has rolled out 1 321 Wide Area Network (WAN) and 737 Local Area Network (LAN) sites across the province, along with 119 WiFi hotspots across 26 townships, all providing free-to-use internet access.
It said that the rollout of more internet-based technology was “critical in building a connected Gauteng that supports digital services in schools, libraries, clinics, and communities, with a special focus on townships, informal settlements, and hostels.”
Alongside the new internet points, it said it has over 517 CCTV cameras deployed in crime hotspots, alongside nearly 6 500 CCTV cameras being operated by Vumacam, which the province also has access to thanks to a partnership.
The department promises that a portion of the budget will be used to offer online training to 7 700 already employed government employees, as well as award 70 bursaries and “provide ICT skills training to 12,000 young people, especially those in TISH areas,” including townships, informal settlements and hostels.
“In addition, 200 township-based ICT entrepreneurs will receive business support, as part of efforts to empower small businesses and promote digital inclusion,” it said in an announcement.”
“While we recognize the challenges posed by our current economic conditions, this budget is a positive step in the right direction. It will help us strengthen the Gauteng Provincial Network (GPN) and enhance our province’s technological infrastructure,” said eGovernment MEC Bonginkisi Dhlamini earlier this month.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Luis Monzon
Quelle/Source: hypertext, 21.07.2025
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