Director-general ‘should understand’ tech sector
Industry players have still not got the measure of the new minister, who is also the South African National Defence Force’s former chief, but Nyanda’s appointment disappointed many who had hoped for a leader with a track record in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry.
The role of director-general is crucial since the job description calls for a person with “a comprehensive technological understanding of the ICT sector”.
The position requires the candidate to understand the dynamics of the market created by the convergence of voice and data technologies, and have a strong background in ICT policy development.
Other requirements are a global perspective, an understanding of how new technologies may affect SA’s development, and relevant experience in the sector.
In return, the candidate will enjoy a remuneration package of R1,2m-R1,35m a year during a three-year contract.
The director-general’s role is to develop policies and strategies to “place the country at the cutting edge of development in the ICT environment”.
The appointee is also expected to
co-ordinate government programmes to ensure that SA’s technology infrastructure is robust, reliable, affordable and secure.
SA has been criticised internationally for its high cost of telephonic services and the dearth of internet access. Under the dual watch of Shope-Mafole and the late Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, SA slid down the rankings of the world’s most tech-savvy countries, and the World Economic Forum blamed its policies for high costs and a low penetration rate.
Analyst Irnest Kaplan said it would be good to see somebody who had quite a lot of experience in the industry appointed to the role.
Shope-Mafole left the department to play a greater role in COPE, leaving her contract well ahead of its expiry date next year. When she quit, she said she would encourage COPE to take technology and telecoms more seriously, as it was a means of boosting education and economic development.
Communications Director-General discussion
Business Day
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