Tech guru Melvyn Lubega appointed to lead South Africa's new Digital Service Unit
Melvyn Lubega is a globally recognised technology pioneer, who co-founded Go1 - a platform used by businesses, non-profit organisations, and governments in more than 60 countries.
Image: Supplied
The Presidency has appointed South African tech entrepreneur, Melvyn Lubega, to lead the newly-established Digital Service Unit (DSU), which will drive the implementation of the Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of Government.
The Roadmap, which is a key pillar of Operation Vulindlela, sets out a focused plan to modernise delivery of Government services through investment in digital public infrastructure.
The Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of Government was officially launched by The Presidency, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), and National Treasury on Monday following the launch of Operation Vulindlela Phase ll last week.
Lubega is a globally recognised technology pioneer, who co-founded Go1 - a platform used by businesses, non-profit organisations, and governments in more than 60 countries. He has advised governments in Africa, Asia and Europe on digital transformation programmes.
Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for The Presidency, said the establishment of the DSU in The Presidency, and the appointment of Lubega, demonstrated the commitment of the 7th Administration to improving service delivery and driving economic growth through investments in digital innovations.
'To operationalise this new reform area, Cabinet has approved the Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of Government as a key pillar of Operation Vulindlela. The Roadmap sets out a focused plan to modernise delivery of Government services through investment in digital public infrastructure,' Magwenya said.
'These crucial digital reforms will enable all citizens to access seamless Government services through a single trusted platform. This will be driven through improvements in identity verification, real-time payments, and data exchange.'
Prior to Go1, Lubega built, exited and invested in leading fintech companies across Africa. He is a Partner at Breega, one of the fastest-growing early stage venture capital investors in EMEA, with over $600 million in assets under management, investing in disruptive technologies that solve significant economic and social challenges.
www.businessreport.co.za
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
17 minutes ago
- IOL News
Trump says Musk has 'lost his mind' as feud fallout mounts
US President Donald Trump said that Elon Musk had "lost his mind" but insisted he wanted to move on from the fiery split with his billionaire former ally. US President Donald Trump said that Elon Musk had "lost his mind" but insisted he wanted to move on from the fiery split with his billionaire former ally. The blistering public break-up between the world's richest person and the world's most powerful is fraught with political and economic risks all around. Trump had scrapped the idea of a call with Musk and was even thinking of ditching the red Tesla he bought at the height of their bromance, White House officials told AFP. "Honestly, I've been so busy working on China, working on Russia, working on Iran... I'm not thinking about Elon Musk, I just wish him well," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to his New Jersey golf club late Friday. Earlier, Trump told US broadcasters that he now wanted to focus instead on passing his "big, beautiful" mega-bill before Congress -- Musk's harsh criticism of which had sparked their break-up. But the 78-year-old Republican could not stop himself from taking aim at his South African-born friend-turned-enemy. "You mean the man who has lost his mind?" Trump said in a call with ABC when asked about Musk, adding that he was "not particularly" interested in talking to the tycoon. Trump later told Fox News that Musk had "lost it." Just a week ago, Trump gave Musk a glowing send-off as he left his cost-cutting role at the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after four months working there. 'Very disappointed' While there had been reports of tensions, the sheer speed at which their relationship imploded stunned Washington. After Musk called Trump's spending bill an "abomination" on Tuesday, Trump hit back in an Oval Office diatribe on Thursday in which he said he was "very disappointed" by the entrepreneur. Trump's spending bill faces a difficult path through Congress as it will raise the US deficit, while critics say it will cut health care for millions of the poorest Americans. The row then went nuclear, with Musk slinging insults at Trump and accusing him without evidence of being in government files on disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump hit back with the power of the US government behind him, saying he could cancel the SpaceX boss's multi-billion-dollar rocket and satellite contracts. Trump struck a milder tone late Friday when asked how seriously he is considering cutting Musk's contracts. "It's a lot of money, it's a lot of subsidy, so we'll take a look -- only if it's fair. Only if it's to be fair for him and the country," he said. Musk apparently also tried to de-escalate social media hostilities. The right-wing tech baron rowed back on a threat to scrap his company's Dragon spacecraft -- vital for ferrying NASA astronauts to and from the International Space Station. And on Friday, the usually garrulous poster kept a low social media profile on his X social network. But the White House denied reports that they would talk. "The president does not intend to speak to Musk today," a senior White House official told AFP. A second official said Musk had requested a call. Tesla giveaway? Tesla stocks tanked more than 14 percent on Thursday amid the row, losing some $100 billion of the company's market value, but recovered partly on Friday. Trump is now considering either selling or giving away the cherry red Tesla S that he announced he had bought from Musk's firm in March. The electric vehicle was still parked on the White House grounds on Friday. "He's thinking about it, yes," a senior White House official told AFP when asked if Trump would sell or give it away. Trump and Musk had posed inside the car at a bizarre event in March, when the president turned the White House into a pop-up Tesla showroom after viral protests against Musk's DOGE role. But while Trump appeared to hold many of the cards, Musk also has some to play. His wealth allowed him to be the biggest donor to Trump's 2024 campaign, to the tune of nearly $300 million. Any further support for the 2026 midterm election now appears in doubt -- while Musk could also use his money to undermine Trump's support on the right. IOL News
The Citizen
17 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Success story Suzuki Fronx departs without having made a fuss
After six months and more than 5 000 km, the time has come to bid farewell to our fuss-free long-term flagship Fronx GLX. The Citizen's six month with Suzuki's top-spec Fronx GLX has come to an end. Image: Rynhardt Steenkamp The Suzuki Fronx has been nothing short of a runaway success since its South African market arrival in the latter stages of 2023. Success after success In its first full year of sales last year, a total of 7 355 units departed dealership floors, with offsets this year so far amounting to 5 351 units – January being the only month where sales failed to breach the 1 000 mark. ALSO READ: Row-it-yourself Suzuki Fronx is great fun when you are in a hurry Although signalled out for its name, a combination of 'frontier next', the crossover stablemate of the Baleno has also outshone its rebadged Toyota sibling, the Starlet Cross, whose total sales for 2025 so far stand at 4 538 units. Initial worries… Hamstrung by demand outstripping supply in the early half of last year, the Fronx, made by Suzuki's Maruti division at its Ahmedabad plant, has maintained its popularity in spite of added criticism brought on by the lack of the turbocharged Boosterjet offered at home. A move that would most likely have driven pricing up significantly, the selection of the tried-and-tested normally aspirated 1.5 K15B petrol engine has been anything but a disaster, not only in power and torque delivery but also in fuel consumption. ..but a stellar companion Arriving towards the end of last year, The Citizen's long-term Fronx 1.5 GLX returned home last month after a prolonged six-month stay, during which a total of 5 724 km was added to the odometer. Often called on by other members of the editorial team for work commitments or out-of-province breaks away from the office, it garnered significant praise not only from a frugality standpoint, but also for its standard equipment that comes with its R342 900 price tag. Coupe-styled appearance looks stylish and sporty, but does impact on rear passenger headroom inside. Image: Rynhardt Steenkamp Its sticker having increased by R7 000 since its arrival, the Fronx's recent and most unusual task involved a trip to Gerotek where Road Test Editor Mark Jones put it against the clock. While initially a light-hearted evaluation considering the serious metal present on the day, the Fronx only got faster with each run as its engine, nicknamed by a fellow colleague as the 'mighty K15B', warmed up. GLX rides on neat looking 16-inch alloy wheels. Image: Rynhardt Steenkamp Despite the power sapping altitude of the Reef, the Fronx's counter, its kerb mass of 1 010 kg and slick five-speed manual, saw it dispatch the 0-100 km/h sprint in 12.2 seconds. Although highly unlikely to be subjected to a full-bore standing start by any buyer away from Gerotek, the Fronx's tenure went unblemished, though a few niggles prevailed. Yes and no Standard on the GLX, the fetching two-tone black-and-burgundy leather interior won't be to everyone's tastes, and while its minder appreciated the inherent sporty look, a traditional single black option will probably resonate better with the greater majority of buyers. Adhering to India's sub-four-metre regulations, the Fronx measures 3 995 mm long, 1 765 mm wide and 1 550 mm tall, with its wheelbase stretching 2 520 mm. While undramatically-sounding on paper, the coupe-esque sloping roof design robs rear passenger headroom to the point where taller folk will find a long journey uncomfortable despite legroom being more than sufficient. While the dual-tone black-and-burgundy leather won't be to everyone's taste, the interior felt sturdy and of good quality given the Fronx's price. Image: Rynhardt Steenkamp While the Grandeur Grey Pearl Metallic paint option didn't resonate much with yours truly on a personal level, the overall design wasn't hampered as much given how a colour can often make or break a vehicle's lasting appearance. Instead, it, arguably, stands out within Suzuki's product portfolio as the most striking and best looking product available. Mounted on 16-inch alloy wheels, the Fronx also has a rugged look thanks to its wheel arch cladding, silver door sills and imitation satin silver skidplates underneath the front and rear bumpers. Nine-inch infotainment system has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and never proved a chore throughout the six-month stay. Image: Rynhardt Steenkamp Often overlooked, the rear facia design is neatly executed with a rounded appearance and a slim light cluster connected by a full-width LED light bar. Opening the door, and bar the divisive the colour, the Fronx's Baleno roots results in an interior that is logically devised and well put together. While material quality, unsurprisingly, varies from soft-touch to hard-feeling plastics from surface to surface, everything else feels well screwed together as no rattles or squeaks developed throughout the six months. Only available on the GLX is a Head-Up Display. Image: Rynhardt Steenkamp As has been the payoff line of many Suzuki models, the GLX's level of equipment left little to be desired, especially considering its price. Besides automatic climate control with rear vents, a multi-function steering wheel and push-button start, the range-topping Fronx boasts a Head-Up Display and a 360-degree surround-view camera system as its specification headlights. Whereas the lower-rung GL makes do with a seven-inch infotainment system, the GLX nets the bigger nine-inch – also with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – which proved easy to scroll through in complete contrast to the overcomplicated setups of similarly priced Chinese products. One of the GLX's main drawing cards is the 360-degree camera. Image: Rynhardt Steenkamp Although an ergonomic success, an aspect of the interior that deteriorated over time was the front seats. Firm and comfy upon arrival, the cushions softened over time to the point where the seats felt under-bolstered and in need of more padding. Deep boot with a slightly high loading lip can accommodate 304-litres of luggage. Image: Rynhardt Steenkamp On the practicality side, the space constraints faced by rear passengers haven't made it to the Fronx's boot. As with the Baleno, the boot isn't aligned with the loading lip, the result being a deep recess capable of accommodating 304-litres. While unable to fold completely flat, lowering the rear frees up an additional 301-litres for a total of 605-litres. The 'mighty K15B' Behind the wheel, the Fronx feels engaging and, as Mark's figure proved, spritely considering its 15% power reduction at altitude. Again the result of its mass and light but direct manual gearbox, the K15B's 77kW/138Nm sounds comparatively meagre on paper, yet from low down, the Fronx pulls well and starts to get into its element higher up the rev range. Unsurprisingly buzzy at the national limit, given the number of ratios, the initial high-rev spike tapers off and, with a few hilly sections thrown in, will require dropping a few cogs to keep the engine on song. Front seat cushions have started sagging since taking delivery and will require improved bolstering to maintain long-term comfort. Image: Rynhardt Steenkamp Its ground clearance rivalling some SUVs at 170 mm, the Fronx doesn't feel top heavy and as such, comes with predictable handling, a soft ride that only becomes bouncy on coarse and badly maintained roads, and a light steering feel. The biggest highlight throughout the six months was, of course, fuel consumption. Fitted with a 35-litre tank, distances close on 600 km were often covered at a rate well below six-litres per 100 km. At its lowest, the trip computer often nudged five-litres per 100 km, yet was more inclined to hover around 5.4 or 5.5 L/100 km. Conclusion Straightforward simplicity without being spartan or dull has seemingly been the mantra of the Suzuki Fronx as it never put a foot wrong throughout it six month stay. Fronx has been a runaway success, with sales in 2025 getting closer to 5 000 units. Image: Rynhardt Steenkamp In fact, it often became a safe haven for being 'normal' from the array of high performance or overly technologically advanced vehicles it had to share the limelight with. A perfectly executed and superb value-for-money product, its goodbye has been a bitter one, but, unlike The Citizen, the latter won't be applicable to buyers who sign on the dotted line. NOW READ: Versatile Suzuki Fronx a willing runner that doesn't run out of puff
eNCA
4 hours ago
- eNCA
Trump says Musk has 'lost his mind' as feud fallout mounts
WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said that Elon Musk had "lost his mind" but insisted he wanted to move on from the fiery split with his billionaire former ally. The blistering public break-up between the world's richest person and the world's most powerful is fraught with political and economic risks all around. Trump had scrapped the idea of a call with Musk and was even thinking of ditching the red Tesla he bought at the height of their bromance, White House officials told AFP. "Honestly, I've been so busy working on China, working on Russia, working on Iran... I'm not thinking about Elon Musk, I just wish him well," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to his New Jersey golf club late Friday. Earlier, Trump told US broadcasters that he now wanted to focus instead on passing his "big, beautiful" mega-bill before Congress -- Musk's harsh criticism of which had sparked their break-up. But the 78-year-old Republican could not stop himself from taking aim at his South African-born friend-turned-enemy. "You mean the man who has lost his mind?" Trump said in a call with ABC when asked about Musk, adding that he was "not particularly" interested in talking to the tycoon. Trump later told Fox News that Musk had "lost it." Just a week ago Trump gave Musk a glowing send-off as he left his cost-cutting role at the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after four months working there. While there had been reports of tensions, the sheer speed at which their relationship imploded stunned Washington. After Musk called Trump's spending bill an "abomination" on Tuesday, Trump hit back in an Oval Office diatribe on Thursday in which he said he was "very disappointed" by the entrepreneur. Trump's spending bill faces a difficult path through Congress as it will raise the US deficit, while critics say it will cut health care for millions of the poorest Americans. The row then went nuclear, with Musk slinging insults at Trump and accusing him without evidence of being in government files on disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump hit back with the power of the US government behind him, saying he could cancel the Space X boss's multi-billion-dollar rocket and satellite contracts. Trump struck a milder tone late Friday when asked how seriously he is considering cutting Musk's contracts. "It's a lot of money, it's a lot of subsidy, so we'll take a look -- only if it's fair. Only if it's to be fair for him and the country," he said. Musk apparently also tried to de-escalate social media hostilities. The right-wing tech baron rowed back on a threat to scrap his company's Dragon spacecraft -- vital for ferrying NASA astronauts to and from the International Space Station. And on Friday the usually garrulous poster kept a low social media profile on his X social network. But the White House denied reports that they would talk.
