As economies become increasingly knowledge-based, investment in information and communication technology (ICT) has come to the fore. Shifting to an eGovernment approach has the potential to improve and expand service delivery, reduce corruption and costs, and overcome the spatial divisions that persist in South Africa. Although government allocates significant public resources to ICT, the spending is neither coordinated nor strategic.

Issues that need addressing include: identifying a lead government department that will be responsible for driving eGovernment, clarifying roles and responsibilities among the different roleplayers, ensuring implementation is closely aligned to policy objectives, and improving access (and ease of access) to services, e.g. through the Thusong centres.

To improve government operations through the use of ICT, the Financial and Fiscal Commission recommends simplifying the ICT policy and regulatory framework, clearly delineating roles and responsibilities, identifying the lead department for eGovernment, finalising a fully costed implementation plan and making eGovernment services more attractive and accessible to citizens.

Report by the Financial and Fiscal Commission