Latest news with #MondliGungubele
Eyewitness News
14-05-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
SABC requests broader concessions from Treasury to implement sections of PFMA
CAPE TOWN - The SABC has requested broader concessions from Treasury so the struggling entity doesn't have to implement sections of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The entity said the PFMA, which governs all commercial activity of the state and state-owned enterprises (SOEs), saying it constrains the entity's ability to be more competitive and protecting intellectual property. But the public broadcaster has told Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) that it's managed to stabilise over the past year around financial management and governance. While the SABC said it's turning the corner financially with the first unqualified audit in a decade, the entity still can't optimise its commercial activity. One of the constraints is having to go through an open and transparent process when it buys certain services as required by the PFMA, unlike its private competitors who aren't governed by the legislation. SABC head of supply chain, Phumzile Njoko, explained their challenge. "So, there are certain constraints that we have been experiencing when it comes to the normal PFMA regulations, when it comes to our procurement activities and the regulations that govern that. We have subsequently received some concessions from National Treasury, but it is not very broad for our environment." Deputy Minister Mondli Gungubele said the SABC has stabilised since the board took over two years ago and the entity has reduced its losses from R700 million to R200 million.
IOL News
08-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa prioritises digital inclusion for rural and disadvantaged areas
Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies in South Africa Mondli Gungubele said that the Government is committed to internet connectivity to all rural and disadvantaged communities. Image: Yogashen Pillay Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, has reiterated the government's commitment to enhancing internet connectivity across rural and disadvantaged communities in a bid to bridge the digital divide. Speaking at the South Africa Internet Governance Forum held in Durban on Wednesday, Gungubele stressed the significance of this initiative as the nation prepares for the World Summit on Information Society review process. 'Digital governance is a global factor that our regulatory, ethical and social frameworks can often keep in place. We are here as South Africans and as global citizens to reflect on the challenges we face. We are here to respond to students, to ensure that they are free and free in the context of research,' he said. Gungubele added that the government has made significant strides in embedding the multistakeholder model in internet governance approach, ensuring that all voices from the rural and township communities and metropolitan leaders are heard in shaping our digital future. 'The emergence of the global digital compact presents us with critical questions. Should governance of the internet shift towards a more centralized intergovernmental structure? Our position must be clear. We continue to stand for an internet that is open, secure, rights-based and accessible to all.' Gungubele said the forum was critical in South Africa's digital landscape. 'Significance arises from the growing importance of the internet in driving relations advancement across various sectors, such as commerce, education, healthcare, governance, and entertainment,' he said. 'Since 2012, internet access has been acknowledged as a fundamental human right, aligning with the United Nations Human Rights Council's affirmation of individual freedom of expression and opinion.' Gungubele added that research showed that technology will disrupt 75 million jobs, but create 130 million digital jobs. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'The utilization of AI technology could either alleviate or exacerbate existing disparities, particularly in terms of employment and essential services accessibility. We are currently confronted by AI's increasing presence; tools like ChatGPT are becoming increasingly proficient in tasks traditionally performed by humans, such as coding, software vulnerability identification, and content creation. As AI progresses, concerns arise regarding potential job displacement among knowledge workers,' Gungubele said. Moreover, he asserted the necessity for educational and training initiatives aimed at preparing the workforce for an AI-centric future. He concluded by stressing the importance of collaboration between government, industry, academia, and civil society to create policies that address the challenges posed by AI while maximising its benefits for the workforce. Mpilo Sibiya, a representative from the KZN Premier's office, said that the province was advancing digital inclusion in rural communities through the traditional authorities connectivity project. 'This initiative provides traditional leaders such as Amakhosi with access to government services and direct communication channels with the provincial departments. So far, 23 international council facilities have been connected through the government,' Sibiya said. 'Moreover, libraries across the province are being transformed into digital hubs with full cyber credits assisting the residents with digital literacy, job searches, and educational resources. This effort has made a significant impact, especially in rural areas where access to digital infrastructure has been limited.' Sibiya added that despite some challenges, particularly around budget constraints, KZN has been committed to expanding digital infrastructure, including inter-literacy across the province. 'Plans are already in place to build and connect more libraries, ensuring that digital links continue to grow and reach every corner of KZN. Our province is aligned with South Africa's NDP to build an inclusive economy that drives sustainable development and shared prosperity,' Sibiya said. 'We are investing in technology access, new skills, and innovation to improve the digital divide and create a future for all. By embracing digital transformation, we are building a connected, capable, and competitive province that leaves no one behind.' BUSINESS REPORT
