About the conference

The adoption of the National Development Plan in 2012, with Vision 2030 assured a better life for all citizens and a renewed sense of hope and optimism in the country. Now, with 2030 looming large upon us, our strides in achieving our developmental agenda have faltered due to many reasons including the COVID-19 Pandemic and the recent geo-political developments.

To mitigate against this, the 2024–2029 Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), as announced by President Ramaphosa in the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), listed three key priorities for the 7th Administration:

• • Driving inclusive growth and job creation.
• • Reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living.
• • Building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

At stake here is firstly having in place, a government that works for the people. Said President Ramaphosa: “We need a state that is capable and competent, underpinned by a professional public service. South Africans want a state that treats all people with dignity, humility and respect. A state with leaders who are prepared to serve our people with complete dedication, and public servants who are ethical, skilled and properly qualified.”

Secondly, such a government needs to embrace the culture of innovation in the Public Sector. Given the rapid technological explosion and its proven limitless potential to reshape the workspace and the global economy, government should constantly work innovatively to explore new and effective solutions to ensure universal access to quality services.

It is thus crucial that an innovative landscape for digital government is created. Digitalising various government services and information creates a digital government and an inclusive digital society where all citizens, regardless of location, age or disability can benefit from the opportunities offered by innovation to improve their quality of life. It is for this reason that government, led by the Presidency is now driving the Digital Transformation Roadmap for the Public Sector.