Councillors equipped with digital skills

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has launched the inaugural Broadband and Digital Skills for Municipalities Programme in Polokwane, Limpopo. 

Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi told participants at the launch that the time is ripe for government to equip councillors with digital skills in order to propel the use of technology to service the nation and grow the economy.

The Broadband and Digital Skills for Municipalities Programme launch drew councillors from the length and breadth of Limpopo and digital experts under one roof. 

The DCDT is in partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the British High Commission as part of the Declaration of Intent signed between the South African Government and the United Kingdom under the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) Fund. 

“The programme aims to empower municipal managers and councillors to steer the deployment of broadband infrastructure in an inclusive manner to reach as many of people as possible, more so those who are digitally disconnected from the rest of the world or have been left behind by many current digital advances.

“In a world where public representatives, more so councillors, are inundated with endless service delivery queries and confronted with hundreds of important decisions to make on their council work daily, having the necessary digital skills will enable them to work smarter, resolve public queries faster and be more accessible to residents,” Malatsi said. 

In an effort to ensure that councillors leverage AI capabilities, DCDT, with SALGA and the British High Commission as partners, intends to roll out this programme to all other provinces in the country so as to leave no one behind.

Speaking at the launch event, UK High Commissioner Antony Phillipson emphasised the significant role of digital technology as a catalyst for economic growth and development. 

“We know that digital technology is a powerful catalyst for economic growth and development. The impact of digital inclusion can be profound and wide-ranging.  This UK-funded project reflects the UK’s commitment to both digital inclusion and partnership with all spheres of the South African government, ensuring that we are leaving no one behind as we transition to a digital future,” Phillipson said. 

The launch will be followed by a two-day training for councillors, which will be a continuous exercise to ensure that councillors are well trained to deliver services to communities for sustainable development in the digital economy. – SAnews.gov.za