The Gauteng Department of e-Government has received a R1.9 billion budget allocation for the 2026/27 financial year, with the province intensifying efforts to modernise government services, expand digital access and strengthen public safety through technology.
The funding will support a wide-ranging digital transformation programme aligned with the priorities of the 7th Administration, including broadband expansion, cybersecurity improvements, digital skills development, artificial intelligence adoption and technology-driven crime prevention initiatives.
According to the department, the allocation will enable it to “strengthen modern ICT infrastructure, expand digital government services, enhance technology-enabled public safety, improve cybersecurity and digital resilience, accelerate ICT skills development, strengthen e-waste management, and establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Office to drive innovation across government.”
A key focus will be expanding broadband connectivity across Gauteng. The department plans to build and connect 300 Gauteng Provincial Network (GPN) sites, extending internet access to schools, healthcare facilities, libraries and community centres, particularly in underserved townships, informal settlements and hostels.
Officials say the initiative is intended to “promote digital inclusion and improve access to government services.”
The department will also continue enhancing its digital service platforms, including the Gauteng Digital Platform, which serves as a central access point for government services, as well as the e-Recruitment System and the Gauteng Matric App.
Progress has also been reported in the implementation of the e-Indigent Register System, which has already been rolled out in Mogale City, Rand West City and Merafong City municipalities.
The system is nearing completion in Midvaal, Lesedi and Emfuleni and will now be expanded to Gauteng’s metropolitan municipalities, including Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
To encourage digital adoption among residents, the department will appoint 75 e-Ambassadors tasked with helping citizens access and navigate online government services.
Technology-driven public safety remains a major priority. The department revealed that 960 CCTV cameras have been installed across the province and more than 184,000 e-Panic Buttons distributed as part of Gauteng’s e-Policing Programme.
“The Department continues to support the province’s e-Policing Programme through smart technology solutions that enhance crime prevention and law enforcement,” the department said.
The budget also includes significant investments in digital skills development. Over the next financial year, the department plans to train 5,500 government officials, award 70 ICT bursaries, provide experiential learning opportunities to 100 young people and support 12,000 youth through the Action Lab Programme.
In addition, 200 township-based ICT entrepreneurs will receive targeted support through skills development, mentorship and innovation programmes.
The department said the Youth Tech Expo G13 Hackathon Series will empower young innovators across Gauteng to develop solutions aimed at tackling some of the province’s most pressing challenges, including crime, unemployment, healthcare, education and service delivery.
Cybersecurity has also been identified as a critical area of focus.
“Cybersecurity and digital resilience remain key priorities, with continued efforts to strengthen governance frameworks, security systems and monitoring capabilities to protect government data and ensure secure digital services,” the department said.
Among the most significant initiatives announced is the establishment of a dedicated Artificial Intelligence Office.
The department said the office will “coordinate and drive responsible AI adoption across government” and support “improved service delivery, modernised government operations, enhanced public safety, and expanded access to digital services, while ensuring the ethical and secure use of artificial intelligence.”
IOL News
Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za
