South Africa marks 30 years of ICT achievements
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA — South Africa‘s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is celebrating three decades of significant contributions to the nation’s communication services and economic development.
This milestone was highlighted during a special event organized by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) as part of the 30th Freedom Day celebrations.
The gathering aimed to reflect on the industry’s growth, collaboration, and the path forward.
Industry growth and challenges
Communications Minister Mondli Gungubele reminisced about the early days of ICT in South Africa, noting the transformation from a time when ICT tools were scarce compared to today’s widespread mobile and internet connectivity.
The country has seen a dramatic increase in mobile subscriptions, with over 108 million recorded in 2023 and smartphone subscriptions surpassing 74 million.
Despite these achievements, challenges such as policy flexibility, SMME inclusion, data affordability, and online shopping regulation remain.
Celebrating success and looking ahead
The event, attended by industry leaders, CEOs, academia, and NGOs, not only celebrated past successes but also set sights on future growth.
Gungubele highlighted key projects like SA Connect and digital migration, emphasizing the sector’s role in connecting South Africans and fostering economic growth.
With the ICT market estimated at R320 billion ($17 billion), the industry has been pivotal in job creation and infrastructure development.
Deputy Minister Philly Mapulane praised the transformative impact of digital technologies, stressing the importance of inclusivity and digital skills investment for the future.
Industry bodies echoed this sentiment, calling for continued collaboration and adaptable policies to ensure a vibrant and inclusive digital economy.
South African firms are also intensifying their efforts to provide girls with digital skills training to help bridge the gender digital divide in the country.
In last year’s International Girls in ICT Day, local firms SAP, Cisco, and Anglo American launched different initiatives to support South African girls who are trying to break into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
A unified vision for the future
The celebration underscored a collective commitment to advancing South Africa’s digital landscape. As the country reflects on 30 years of ICT achievements, the focus remains on fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and a regulatory environment conducive to growth.
The journey ahead promises transformative changes, with the ICT sector at the heart of South Africa’s continued development and prosperity.
