CAPE TOWN 14 June 2000
Communications Minister Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri has welcomed the overwhelming approval by the National Assembly of the Department of Communications Vote 5 of the Appropriation Bill 2000. The appropriation covers broadcasting, postal and telecommunications services.
"I welcome the vote of confidence placed in the Ministry and the Department to carry forward the important work of delivery communications services to all communities," said the Minister. "In time, we will make possible access to the participation of every South Africa in the reshaping of our nation through information and communication technology and knowledge economy," she added.
Dr Matsepe-Casaburri: "Our intention is to improve the life of all our people and make South Africa a knowledge-based society. This will be achieved by establishing a networked information community, empowering people to participate in the new economy, changing the way people work, live, play and making South Africa globally competitive."
- To mark Youth Day (June 16) Dr Matsepe-Casaburri will on Friday launch an internet centre at the Winnie Mandela informal settlement in the Gauteng township of Thembisa. In a move to bridge the digital divide, similar centres are to be launched countrywide. We hope that the private sector will join us in this venture to bring the new economy closer to all our people.
ISSUED: BRIAN SOKUTU
MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON
CELL: 083-3273-229