SA needs locally maintained technologies says Sisulu

Lindiwe Sisulu. Image: GCIS

Speaking at the Govtech Conference in Cape Town, Sisulu said that innovation was necessary in advancing the country.

"Innovation for us must be rooted in our landscape. It must be inspired and driven by our necessity and must harness our own ingenuity. Our government is determined to ensure that as we take on our challenges we recognise and support local technological advancement," she said.

Big and small South African companies were working hard to produce various technologies.

"Both government and the private sector must assist this process by buying South African products wherever possible and supporting partnerships with South Africa," said Sisulu, adding that the spin-offs of this would be increasing local progress and competitiveness, while at the same time promoting local employment.

At the opening of the conference, Sisulu said she would like the issue of increasing the provision of broadband infrastructure outside the metros to be closely examined.

"The cost to communicate in South Africa is still ranked among the highest in the world and this undermines access to the benefits of information communication technologies and exacerbates poverty, inequality and unemployment," she said.

Sisulu said that some technological advancement had taken place but the country still faces challenges that require specific and not generalised technologies.

"We ask you here at Govtech 2013 whether you have technologies that are well intended and will benefit us all? Those of you who are here representing government realise what we need to do and what to buy to fulfil our quest for a better quality life for all," said Sisulu.

"Among the major challenges facing the country," said Sisulu, "was crime, poverty, inequality and unemployment."