South Africa is pursuing a range of strategic initiatives to strengthen its position in global connectivity while expanding access to digital skills, infrastructure and economic opportunities, according to Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi.
As part of efforts to use digital skills to address gender-based violence (GBV), Malatsi addressed more than 100 women from community and non-profit organisations in Tzaneen, Limpopo. The participants received digital skills training from the Film and Publications Board and the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa under the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies’ Gender-based Violence and Femicide Awareness Programme.
The initiative formed part of activities marking the end of Women’s Month, held under the theme “Empowered women empower the nation.” It highlighted the role digital literacy can play in empowering women and supporting communities affected by gender-based violence.
Malatsi also met with Microsoft South Africa CEO Vukani Mngxati and a delegation from the company to discuss opportunities to strengthen South Africa’s digital economy. Microsoft provided an update on its R5.4 billion investment in cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in the country.
The discussions also explored opportunities to expand partnerships around digital skills development and support for small, medium and micro-enterprises. The government is seeking to ensure that investments in digital transformation translate into broader economic participation and opportunities.
South Africa is also exploring ways to leverage its geographic position to become a global submarine cable and digital infrastructure hub. Malatsi met with the Digital Council and officials from Operation Vulindlela to begin discussions around regulatory reforms that could support the expansion of the country’s digital economy.
Malatsi said disruptions affecting transportation and communications infrastructure amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East could create an opportunity for South Africa to strengthen its position as an alternative global connectivity hub and digital gateway between Africa and other regions.
Such a role could attract infrastructure investment, support economic growth, accelerate digital transformation and create employment opportunities while strengthening South Africa’s position within global digital networks.
Meanwhile, the Association of Comms and Technology (ACT), representing Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C, Rain and Liquid, has applied to the Competition Commission for a five-year exemption under Chapter 2 of the Competition Act.
The proposed exemption would allow ACT members to share limited infrastructure planning information through an independent third party. The arrangement is intended to help operators identify connectivity gaps, reduce duplication and lower the cost of deploying networks in areas where individual operators may not find investment commercially viable.
Malatsi welcomed the proposal, particularly for its potential to improve connectivity in rural communities and townships. He emphasised that digital inclusion requires South Africans, regardless of where they live, to have access to internet connectivity and the services and opportunities enabled by it.
Together, the initiatives highlight South Africa’s broader efforts to expand digital inclusion, strengthen infrastructure, develop digital skills and position the country as a more significant player in the global digital economy.
