ATC150929: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Telecommunications and Postal Services on the Seminar on ICT Transformation, dated 22 September 2015

Telecommunications and Postal Services

Report of the Portfolio Committee on Telecommunications and Postal Services on the Seminar on ICT Transformation, dated 22 September 2015

 

1. Introduction

The Portfolio Committee on Telecommunications and Postal Services (the Committee) conducted a two-day “seminar on 20 years in the ICT sector in South Africa” held from 3 to 4 February 2015. The seminar gathered eminent speakers and scholars engaged in the ICT Policy, Regulations, Government, State-Owned Companies (SOCs), Telecommunications Operators, ICT SMMEs and Organized Labour, amongst others.

The seminar was intended to provide a platform for the exchange of best practices in respect of success and future achievements within the ICT sector still to be uncovered,  the legal and regulatory framework debate contained in Chapter 8 of the Electronic Communications Act (setting out the framework for electronic facilities leasing essential for the deployment of Local Loop Unbundling (LLU)); the role of end-users;  quality of services and consumer rights;  the role of provincial and local government in rolling out their own telecommunications infrastructure as a reaction to telecoms companies who often avoid providing services to remote areas; and the increasing role of Internet Service Providers as leading converged communication service providers in South Africa in the digital and broadband environment. The role and the relationship between manufactures of gadgets, applications, operators, and subscribers’ service charter regulations were highlighted.

A detailed list of the facilitator and speakers included the following persons:

1. Professor Andrew Barendse: Group Executive Regulatory Affairs, Vodacom acted as facilitator for the Seminar.
2. The speakers at the seminar included the following persons.

1. Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi: Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Telecommunications and Postal Services;
2. Mr Enver Fraser: Representative of Dimension Data;
3. Prof Luci Abrahams: Link Centre, Wits University;
4. Mr Pakamile Pongwana: Chief Executive Officer: ICASA;
5. Prof Allison Gillwald: Executive Director: Research ICT Africa/University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business Management – Management of ICT Infrastructure Reform and Regulation;
6. Dr Miriam Altman: Head of Strategy: Telkom and National Planning Commissioner;
7. Mr Linden Petzer: Deputy Director- General, DTPS;
8. Mrs Loren Braithwaite-Kabosha: Executive Director: South African Communications Forum (SACF);
9. Mr Andrew Nongogo: Acting Group Executive- Mail Business South African Post Office (SAPO).

 

1. DAY 1: Proceedings and Deliberations 

 

1.  Introduction by the facilitator

 

Professor Barendse, in his role as facilitator, provided a historical overview in respect of the ICT Sector since June 1994. He referred to an RDP document on Telecommunications Reform which provided that “all in South African should have access to a telephone lines” and yet the same document made provision for the allocation of such lines on the basis of one (1) telephone line for every hundred (100) black people whilst sixty (60) telephone lines were allocated to every 100 white people. He indicated that the Seminar was really about the celebration of 20 years of democracy and a movement towards future growth in terms of the ICT Sector. He emphasized that the key themes envisaged for the Seminar would entail a reflection on the following issues, namely universal accessibility, affordability and access to modern networks.

 

1. Comments by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on  Telecommunications and Postal Services

 

Ms Kubayi made introductory remarks which included the objectives and rationale of the session. She welcomed all members and guests and indicated that the Minister and Deputy Minister of the Ministry on Telecommunications and Postal Services and the Director-General of the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services had forwarded an apology due to the fact that they were participating in a Cabinet Lekgotla. However, a team from the Department would attend led by the Deputy Director-General.   

 

The Chairperson noted that the response in terms of the Seminar was appreciated and that open dialogue would be encouraged. The intention of the Seminar was based on the concerns and issues to be addressed in terms of ICT reformation. This platform therefore needed to be used to create dialogue as it would be critical to hear the views and concerns of industry in order for law makers to ensure that the concerns of all are addressed when passing legislation affecting the ICT Sector.

 

She noted that historically, access to services was segregated and that therefore it was the responsibility of all to ensure that they understood what must be done to turn things around and ensure that equitable shares in respect of ICT resources are received across the country.  The question all participants needed to ask themselves, is where are we now, are we still following best practices globally and are we still a key player in that field. If not, what should we do to get ourselves on track?

 

She further noted that prior to the Telecommunications sector reform in South Africa, the broadcasting and telecommunication sectors were regulated primarily by the provisions of the Radio Act of 1952 and the Broadcasting Act of 1976. These two statutes gave government complete autonomy over all telecommunications and broadcasting activities in South Africa.

 

In 1996, the Radio Act of 1952 was repealed by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which came into effect on 01 July 1997. The Telecommunications Green Paper and White Paper led to the passage of the Telecommunications ActNovember 1996, which fundamentally transformed the sector. This Act was enacted to make provision for the regulation of telecommunication activities other than broadcasting and to establish an independent sector regulator, the South African Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (SATRA), in line with the model of developing a transparent and certain regulatory environment for investors and consumers, and to contribute towards building a stable and well-functioning market.

 

In respect of the Information Communications Agency of South Africa (ICASA), she noted that a key regulatory challenge facing ICASA is that despite sections 3(3) and 3(4) of the ICASA Act which provides, respectively, that ICASA is “independent, and subject only to the Constitution and the law, and must perform its functions without fear, favour or prejudice” and “must function without any political or commercial interference” its actual powers. Levels of institutional independence differ greatly with respect to broadcasting and telecommunications. As a result, ICASA finds itself in a schizophrenic legal position.

The advent of convergence and digitalization posed a new challenge as two historical separate services are brought together. The inclination, even after the promulgation of the Electronic Communications Act (ECA), has been to concentrate on telecommunications rather than broadcasting. The reality about convergence is that it is dependent on technological innovation and demand for services. Policy, legislation and regulations tend to be reactive. The same has been the case in the South African situation. It will always be difficult for the policy makers and the regulator to be proactive in a converged environment.

 

The Chairperson mentioned that that all role players needed work together to find better ways of addressing South Africa’s new ICT risks and building resilience against them and stated the following:

 

1.  There is a need for a shared or collective sense of comfort regarding the current

 state of transformation in the ICT sector;

1.   A need for the establishment of the Electronic Communicators and ICT Museum   

  exists;

1.   Progress was needed on the promotion and empowerment of rural women and

  youth with disabilities in the Sector;

(d)   Guidelines for rapid deployment of electronic communications should be

        elaborated on;

(e)   There should be emphasis on refining the standards and methods of

        teaching and learning through e-connectivity, connecting farmers, and

       the importance of e-health;

(f)    What is the meaning of universal services and access 20 years later, when

       many people in rural areas are having difficulties to communicate with their loved

       ones because of the cost as well as access to ICTs infrastructure in places where

       they reside?

(g)   Why does South Africa’s extensive network not benefit the country to the full extent

       possible and why does broadband penetration remain low?

(h)  What can we improve in raising obstacles to the mass utilization of the

       information and communications technologies to solve societal problems and

       provide critical services like e-government, e-education, and enhanced

       health services, among others?

1. The role of  South African Post Office would be discussed in providing services to the rural areas and urban areas in the post-modernity and in the post-digital environment;
2. What do we do to ensure that the information society will be truly global and inclusive while much needs to be done to bring its benefits to the poorest in society?

 

2.3 Presentation on policy review policies and results achieved during these periods by Enver Fraser.

 

Mr Andile Ngcaba, Chairman and Director of Dimension Data, was scheduled to deliver a presentation on the results achieved during the various periods from the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to the Electronic Communications Act and Post ICT Review Policies and what is hoped to be achieved in the future. However, due to other commitments he was not able to deliver the presentation and Mr Enver Fraser delivered the presentation in the absence of Mr Ngcaba.

 

The presentation focused on four main issues. These included the following:

 

1. The historical context and overview:  These included the factors that lead to the legislation and policy framework during the initial period around 1994 to 2004 and lessons and failures experienced within that context.

 

1. The pre-1994 period:

      The ICT system was state controlled, driven by segregated services and

       monopolistic in behaviour. The key legislative instruments used during the pre-

      1994 period were discussed to include the following:

1. Radio Act of 1952
2. Post Office Act of 1958
3. Broadcasting Act of 1976.

 

1. Technology and market influences:

       Considerations for policy were driven around technology and markets.  An overview of the major technological changes from the advent of the telegraph        in 1830 to the advent of the internet and mobile telephony in 1990 was highlighted. The fundamental changes to the market in the US, UK and Japan in the late 1980s to 1990s had global ripple effects on the South African (SA) market with incumbents subject to competition and in some cases forced break-ups, the rise of the independent regulatory regimes and the licensing subjected to universal service obligations.

 

1. The post 1994 period:

There was a sense that a utility model provided the best service to the market. The need for transformation of the sector to serve the needs of all SA citizens,       the mechanism of monopolies to roll out large scale infrastructure, the international developments affecting policy making, legislation enacted during this period, institutional structures and realities in respect of policy making were highlighted.

 

In conclusion, there was a sense that policy making is reactive to global trends and that it is important that policy makers look at what the key drivers are in addressing developmental realities and transformational imperatives and access to services by all citizens.

 

(A detailed copy of the presentation can be obtained on request from the Committee Section).

 

2.4 Presentation on the role of the ICT Sector by Ms L Abrahams

 

Ms Abrahams made a presentation on the role of the ICT sector: How does Parliament pursue the mainstreaming/transformation agenda and structure partnerships between the ICT sector and other sectors within and outside of government. Her presentation emphasized the role of the ICT Sector: Triple helix of government-industry-society for mainstreaming ICT in social and economic development. She highlighted the following:

1. Mainstreaming ICT is a matter of interest to majority of portfolio committees, as ICT is an enabler in multiple areas of government business.
2. The public and private sectors have differing contributions to make to mainstreaming ICT including the shift to digital broadcasting and electronic postal services (e-post).
3. Public sector-public policy, regulation, institutional policy for e-government services, operational plans for e-government services, e-administration, infrastructure provision in cases of market failure, procurement, risk management, audit.
4. Private sector-extensive network and service infrastructure provision, innovation in infrastructure and services (convergence, cloud computing), e-services across industries and commercial activities.
5. Intra-parliamentary co-operation – convergence in oversight role and importance of the parliamentary research function.

 

Further discussion included the role of the Committee and how it would foster partnerships. Emphasis was placed on holding the relevant stakeholders accountable for the slow pace at which transformation in the ICT Sector is taking place. The prospects for an e-service revolution was also discussed.

 

(A detailed copy of the presentation can be obtained on request from the Committee Section).

 

2.5 Panel Discussion and Dialogue

 

The facilitator called for comments, questions, critiques and insights from the participants at the seminar. The following issues were raised:

 

1. A need for a clear ICT Strategy and implementation of clear policy guidelines was expressed. Participants acknowledged that South Africa Connect is a relevant strategy in place, but that policy is missing. Also, that the ICT policy review is in place, but a need to effectively communicate these policies to all is lacking.
2. Participants concurred that another ICT Policy is not needed. However, a need for a Digital Economic Strategy relevant in a converged world was needed. A need for policy convergence and strategy coherence across all domains was emphasized.
3. The role of the Committee and the need to address its regulatory power and hold the Department and its entities accountable for non-compliance.
4. Policies or strategies should be written by the Executive with implementation in mind. Policies should be drafted in such a way that they ensure effective and proper communication and implementation.
5. A need to create an enabling environment for various institutions to communicate with each other effectively.
6. A need exists to address the lack of access to infrastructure amongst ICT stakeholders.
7. Ambiguity in respect of the role played by DTPS and the Department of Communications (DOC) needs to be addressed.
8. The fostering of partnerships with various government departments and committees within Parliament are important to ensure accessibility of the ICT Sector. Government needs to create an interface with committees to ensure representivity of all sectors.
9. The Portfolio Committee should use its public participation process to achieve the above goal of fostering partnerships within the ICT Sector.  
10. The importance of cybercrime also needs to be addressed with provision made for legally qualified personnel to be trained in this competency.
11. Sympathy was expressed for policy makers due to the complexity of the market and vested interests. A need for action of implementation and defining the overarching objectives and frameworks that needs to be achieved.
12. It was noted that the scope of the role of the Portfolio Committee has increased due to its complexity of the market as discussed above. The question that arises is how the Portfolio Committee will in future deal with this issue.
13.  A call was made for a change in thinking when dealing with complex issues. It was suggested that there was a need to address the small and simple things first and thereafter deal with the complex issues.
14. A call for a National ICT Master plan such as the one used successfully by Kenya was made and a further need to look at the positive trends in terms of ICT in South Africa was encouraged.
15. In terms of the cost to communicate, it was suggested that the acquisition of land and the need to draw investors to the Sector was paramount.
16. The need for evidence and knowledge-based policy outcomes were registered.
17. The need to address the issues that held the South African ICT sector back.
18. The need to extensively roll out Broadband Infrastructure was regarded as a critical element that needs to be addressed.
19. A need to observe international best practices, such as the Asian models and obtain rigorous market analysis, was considered important.
20. Robust debate in respect of accountability of institutions was needed to look at the best interest of the country and the sector generally.
21. Research and development needs, delay in digital migration, toll-free number to make emergency calls, issues relating to schools connectivity were still lacking and the future of a paperless society would have to be addressed urgently.
22. The need for private sector regulation was fundamental as new approaches and technologies required this.
23. Regulations should be enabling, not controlling or prescriptive. SITA and Broadband Infraco required a different enabling environment and a look at the Singapore model in terms of its strong policy, need to be considered.
24. The need for performance had to be stressed. In general, we all agree that we need performance as it breeds performance.
25. Resource management issues, competition and access needs, a need for intervention where markets fail, the understanding of consumption of technology, issues around net neutrality and how networks will be looked at in the future, mobile solutions and the relevance of the postal services, amongst others, needed to be addressed.

 

2.6 Presentation on South Africa’s ICT International and National Competitiveness by Mr P Pongwana

 

The presentation made by Mr Pongwana focused on the dichotomy between competition and public interest and the balancing of cultural and economic goals. The presentation further focused on the following topics:

 

1. How far have we come? This included milestones reached in the fixed market, the period before 1994 when only one fixed line operator existed, the current period where four mobile operators exist covering more than 99% of the population and over 100 fixed line service providers.
2. International competitiveness: This included an understanding of where South Africa stands in terms of GDP ranking and its ability to use ICT productively.
3. Internet competitiveness: This included an understanding of the ranking of South Africa.
4. Contribution to employment: This included an understanding of the amount of employees in the ICT Sector.
5. Policy considerations for convergence: This included an understanding of policy issues in terms of convergence.
6. Constraints: This included an understanding of the human capital and innovation, power supply, spectrum delays, regulatory delays, amongst others.
7. Opportunities: This included an understanding of network deployment, job creation and the drive of regional internet penetration.
8. Catch Up: This included an understanding of policy co-ordination, broadband internet, fast-tracking of digital migration and funding challenges.

 

(A detailed copy of the presentation can be obtained on request from the Committee Section).

 

2.7 Presentation on the state of ICT in South Africa by Prof A Gillwald

 

Prof Gillwald made a presentation on the State of ICT in South Africa: Adapting to the global ICT ecosystem in terms of global competitiveness, global indices and domestic policy outcomes. The presentation focused on the following topics:

1. ICT ecosystem: This included an understanding of the factors that influenced various parts of the ICT ecosystem, a look at networks and services to ensure consumer welfare, the policy and legal framework of the Broadband ecosystem, the market structure and international best practices.
2. Convergence and traditional distinct platforms: This included an understanding of the factors that had influenced the whole sector. It is about building an infrastructure that underpins our digital society.
3. NDP Diagnostic Report: This included an understanding of the national inequalities and competitiveness of markets reflected in the ICT Sector, the untapped potential for growth and job creation, the lack of affordable, high-speed, quality bandwidth required by business, public institutions and citizens impacted negatively by development and global competitiveness, the high input cost for business, deterrents for investors, negative impact on job creation, sector growth and universal access.
4. ICT Development Index: This included an understanding for the need to harness resources correctly. Examples of South Korea and Singapore was quoted.
5. ICT Economic growth and job creation: This included an understanding of the potential for growth and job creation.
6. Sector performance as policy outcomes:  This included an understanding of ways of structuring the market, policy considerations, institutional arrangements, the review of processes of appointment, and accountability of the institutions, amongst others.
7. CSIR for SA CONNECT: This included an understanding of the challenges experienced in the access to networks.
8.  Mobile and Data Pricing: This included an understanding of the position in South Africa and pricing issues in respect of dominant operators.

 

(A detailed copy of the presentation can be obtained on request from the Committee Section).

 

2.8 Presentation on increasing access to information infrastructure by

Ms L Abrahams

 

Ms Abrahams made a presentation on increasing access to information infrastructure: Public private partnerships as a means of leveraging funds and expertise from all role players in the sector.

 

The presentation consisted of the following topics:

 

1.  Definition and Opportunities: This included an understanding of the term “Public private partnerships” or “PPP” within a commercial context, an institution or a private party, the financial, technical and operational risks in connection with the performance of the institutional function, considerations to be paid by the institutions which derive a benefit from a revenue fund, charges or fees to be collected by the private party from users or customers of a service provided to them and risks involved to build the infrastructure, amongst others.
2. The triple helix public private community partnerships: This included an understanding of the collaboration between  e-Government, e-Business and e-Society in respect of education, health, banking and finance, collaboration in respect of electronic communications network infrastructure and services, human resource development and the policy and regulatory environment.
3. Complexities: This included an understanding of the duration of

PPPs, its risks to investors and also present risks to government, in particular the risk of financial expenditure rendered valueless by non-completion of projects.

1. National Treasury Regulations on PPPs: This included an

understanding of project inception, feasibility studies – treasury approval, procurement, contracting public private partnership agreements, agreements binding on the state and exemptions.

 

(A detailed copy of the presentation can be obtained on request from the Committee Section).

 

2.9 Presentation on South Africa’s growth, employment and poverty reduction aspirations by Dr Mariam Altman

 

Dr Altman made a presentation on Telecommunications and South Africa’s growth, employment and poverty reduction aspirations. The presentation consisted of the following:

 

1. National Development Plan (NDP) focus: This included an understanding of the NDP vision for growth and employment, social services and wage goods and the channels that influence factors in respect of the wellbeing of citizens.
2. Why broadband is important to the NDP: This included an understanding of the deepening digital divide, inequality and global rankings.
3. Vision for broadband in South Africa: This included an understanding of the affordability of broadband, efficient public service delivery, strong national skills base and exploitable broadband efficiencies.
4. The future of employment and growth: This included an understanding of growth in the middle income economy, employment scenarios, examples of how we can create jobs and growth through IT enabled services, and sustainability of employment creation, amongst others.
5. Principles for strengthening the impact of Government on e-enablement: This included an understanding of  ICT service delivery, high-impact public spending, infrastructure build by local government, the areas of domination of mobile broadband, approach to public sector projects and the emphasis placed on education as a focal area to create an e-enabled population.

 

(A detailed copy of the presentation can be obtained on request from the Committee Section).

 

2.10 Panel Discussion and Dialogue

 

The facilitator called for comments, questions, critiques and insights from the participants at the seminar. The following issues were raised:

 

1. The need to ensure that public monies are used effectively and efficiently.
2. There is a need to clarify the role of ICASA and to ensure that it does not operate in isolation.
3. The issue of data analysis should be addressed.
4. A need for the government to be decisive and equip its people in the early stages of the education system.
5. The need to address global competitiveness beyond policy and regulation frameworks.
6. A need to honestly look at why SA is losing foreign investments.
7. The need to re-think in respect of ICT services as a basic service in line with water and sanitation.
8. The issue of universal access needs a greater undertaking from government and cannot be left to service providers.

1. The facilitation of jobs by government by setting up manufacturing plants to manufacture its own computers and other ICT equipment.  

 

1. DAY 2 : Proceedings and Deliberations 

 

3.1 Welcome and Recap of Day 1

 

The facilitator welcomed all members and guests to the proceedings of the second day of the Seminar. He briefly recapped the events and discussions in respect of the first day of the Seminar as follows:

 

1. The history of the sector was discussed and referred to the 1992/1993 period which bought tensions, and noted a scenario where Telkom was reporting to two Ministers at the time.  The market has, however, evolved and reformed since then, such reform being led by an RDP document implemented to form the basis for reform.
2. Market data interpretation, analysis of such data, issues of growth and development and the maturity of the sector was discussed.
3. Further discussions related to the NDP and the priorities within the ICT policy review process.
4. Issues of affordability, accessibility and quality of modern networks and how Parliament relates to the ICT industry was discussed.
5. One presentation alluded to private parties collecting monies on behalf of government.
6. Presentations highlighted the breakdown in terms of rural and urban areas, with the challenge on rural infrastructure development. An emphasis on rural development across all government Departments was also highlighted.
7. An appeal was made for ICT development which will assist government to build capacity and create jobs.

 

Ms Kubayi, opened the session and stated that she appreciated the fact that participants openly expressed their opinions. The Committee was expecting the Policy Review Document on ICT and other legislation, and the input given at the Seminar would assist members of the Committee to engage the issues sufficiently.

 

3.2 Presentation by Mr L Petzer on the role of ICT Public Policy,   Transformation and e-Skills Development

 

Mr Petzer made the presentation on behalf of DTPS on the role of the ICT Public Policy, Transformation and e-Skills Development. The presentation focused on the following areas:  

1. Policy Review Process
2. Discussion Paper
3. Technological Developments
4. Policy and Regulatory Implications
5. Broadband
6. Facilities outside coverage of the main service providers
7. Universal Access and Service
8. E-Government
9. Postal Sector
10. Institutional Framework
11. Realignment, Focus and International benchmark.

 

(A detailed copy of the presentation can be obtained on request from the Committee Section).

 

3.3 Presentation by Mrs L Braithwaite-Kabosha on strengthening co-operation 

      between government, the regulator, the sector, Parliament and civil

      society

 

Mrs Braithwaite-Kabosha made a presentation on behalf of the South African Communications Forum (SACF) on strengthening co-operation

between government, the regulator, the sector, operators, labour, Parliament and civil society. The presentation focused on the following areas:

 

1. Introduction of SACF and Industry Associations: This included an understanding of the objectives of SACF, its membership groups, background of SACF and the various programmes it engages in.
2. Why Cooperation is important: This included an understanding of the challenges of creating jobs, the ICT Sector arguably being South Africa’s best-bet investment for future development and the role of the NDP in economic growth and social equality.
3. Current state of cooperation between Government, the Regulator, Industry, Labour and Civil Society:

• Summary of Engagements between Government and Civil Society 2003-2015
• Engagement between Regulator and Civil Society.

This included an understanding of the past engagements among Government, Industry and Civil Society, the Industry Commitment Statement, the disjuncture between input and engagement and outcome, engagement between Regulator and Civil Society. 

1.  Way forward to building cooperation: This included suggestions on policy and regulatory reform, training and skills development, entrepreneurial development, spectrum licensing and infrastructure rollout providing access to Broadband.

 

(A detailed copy of the presentation can be obtained on request from the Committee Section).

 

3.4. Presentation by Mr A Nongogo on the position of SAPO in the ICT

       Sector.  

Mr Nongogo made a presentation on behalf of SAPO and highlighted the following factors:

 

1. The extent to which SAPO can be a player within the ICT Sector.
2. He noted that SAPO has the infrastructure which, at the moment, is not utilized to its full capacity and suggested that the services of SAPO should be the first touch point of government business.
3. A need to have the infrastructure of SAPO funded.
4. The roll out of addresses in rural villages would serve as a useful role for emergency providers.
5. The need to build a trust centre in terms of the Electronic Communications Act.
6. The need to ensure that SAPO maintained all structural sites in rural and remote areas to ensure access is available to the poor.
7. SAPO has made a concerted effort to switch customers over to digital forms of communication. This is, however, dependent on the accessibility and cost effectiveness of broadband rollout.

 

1. Panel Discussion and Dialogue

 

1. A need for proper partnerships, inclusive of all stakeholders and focused on priorities of the country.
2. Income disparities, especially in the rural areas, needs to be addressed with exploring different ways of dealing with the challenges. A call to take advantage of the high demand spectrum process which will allow a response from a financial point of view.
3. An emphasis to be placed on implementation of policies.
4. The key innovation and research capabilities of the Sector should be harnessed.
5. The power of government to consume and drive the adoption of the ICT Policy. This power should be used more robustly than before as government is the biggest service provider.
6. The need to focus on the development of the ICT Sector, with cooperation from all role players.
7. The urgency of the skills development needs contribution of everyone to ensure effectiveness. The role of private sector in skills development and the transfer of skills would be vital.
8. There is a need to address the unemployment rate in the sector.
9. Collaboration with various government departments is important. E-skills needs legislation and should allow for collaboration with relevant budgetary support at a national level.
10. The focus on the NDP and SA Connect as a strategy with defined objectives.
11. Agreement that extensive infrastructure is needed in respect of SAPO, with relevant partnerships in terms of core business with Broadband Infraco and Telkom.  
12. The need to ensure effective public and private partnerships.
13. SAPO Wi-Fi hotspots should provide opportunities for SMMEs to become involved in the ICT sector.
14. The lack of coordination in the ICT Sector needs to be addressed.
15. SAPO needs to introduce innovative ideas to attract future business and create a strategy to include SMMEs. There is a business model in place, however, the role of SAPO needs to be redefined.
16. Coordination to be achieved through information sharing.
17. The need to eradicate government beaurocracy to ensure the roll out of services. The lack of data and knowledge and information needs to be addressed.
18. ICT skills needs to be harnessed and a need to ensure that persons with such skills are not lost to other countries.  

 

1.  Vote of Thanks and Way forward

 

Ms Kubayi thanked all participants for their honest engagement during the Seminar which would assist the Portfolio Committee in its future deliberations. She noted that SAPO needed to reposition itself within a viable market. The coordination of the work in the public and private sectors needed to be addressed and that the primary focus should be the impact on the lives of our people. Future oversight visits would focus on why certain rural areas were not connected and the Regulator needed to assist in respect of the shared vision of access to the community. She noted appreciation for the level of engagement and mentioned that she looked forward to a future similar engagement.

Ms Tsotetsi extended a vote of thanks to all participants. She indicated that there is a need to consider the plight of poor and make cost to communicate affordable to all.