"The draft policy focuses on seven key areas that are expected to deliver the level of impact required to transform our society and economy," she said.
The implementation of this policy has been scheduled for NDP9, extending to NDP10. The House has been told that a sustainable portion of funding required is already budgeted for in the NDP9 under all ministries.
The first aim of the policy is to empower communities with ICT and to allow citizens to share and access relevant information as well as connecting to the global market.
The ministry has also planned for 'e-government' aimed at hastening provision of services to the public and enhancing productivity in government departments. Venson-Moitoi said that her ministry believed that IT would bring efficiency and effectiveness throughout the public sector.
Venson-Moitoi's ministry, in cooperation with the Public Service Reform Unit (PSRU) from the President's Office, will coordinate e-government.
Venson told parliamentarians that the policy also has an idea to provide electronic learning known as 'Thuto Net'.
It is hoped that Thuto Net will facilitate the provision of universal access to education and online learning opportunities.
A health care information system to deal with Tele-medicine will hold medical records.
Government has also initiated e-commerce, which the minister said has the potential to create employment opportunities and diversification of the country's economy from diamonds and other non-renewable resources.
Venson-Moitoi stated that the primary focus is to extend the ICT to enhance the operations of the International Financial Service Centre (IFSC), which is currently attracting similar companies to the country, such as Eco-net, African Banking Corporation and Kingdom Bank.
She indicated to the house that e-commerce had the potential to build a software development industry and provide market access to companies. The process also promotes entrepreneurship in ICT applications and capacity building.
The policy has also prioritised developing ICT infrastructure in order to support e-commerce. However, the Minister wants it to be generated and supported by the private sector with a cost efficient telecommunications industry.
The final policy theme deals with legislation. Parliament heard that the legislation would recognise all ICT processes and transactions.
Among other things, the legislation will recognise electronic signatures to give confidence to consumers, the business community and government agencies participating in electronic transactions.
An "Information Age Council chaired by the Minister of Communications and Technology as well as eminent ICT experts will monitor and coordinate the use of ICT for national development.
The proposed council is to work with a legal reform taskforce and an enhancement team from the ministry.
Autor(en)/Author(s): Oliver Modise
Quelle/Source: AllAfrica, 09.08.2007
