Latest news with #StateInformationTechnologyAgency
The Citizen
a day ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Schreiber explains ICT failures plaguing Home Affairs offices
Recent regulatory developments may provide home affairs with greater flexibility in sourcing ICT services. Ongoing information and communication technology disruptions across home affairs offices are due to a combination of aging infrastructure, power supply issues and ineffective support from the State Information Technology Agency (Sita) says Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber. The minister's response comes after questions from ANC MP Mosa Steve Chabane about the persistent technological challenges that continue to hamper service delivery athHome affairs offices nationwide. The department's digital infrastructure woes have resulted in frequent service interruptions, preventing citizens from accessing essential government services. Home Affairs legacy systems and infrastructure challenges Schreiber candidly admitted that his department 'continues to experience persistent information and communication technology (ICT) downtime at its offices'. He said that 'the challenges stem from outdated legacy systems, intermittent power supply and limited responsiveness in maintaining and upgrading infrastructure'. He further highlighted how external service providers have compounded these problems. 'Delays and inefficiencies in service provision from Sita have further exacerbated system unavailability, often leading to service disruptions that affect citizens' ability to access essential services,' Schreiber said. Financial constraints represent another significant obstacle to addressing these technological shortcomings, with Schreiber further admitting that the department faces ongoing funding constraints. Schreiber said these funding barriers limit home affairs' capacity to modernise critical infrastructure and ensure reliable connectivity across all sites. ALSO READ: Home Affairs launches Operation New Broom to tackle illegal immigration Home Affairs revenue generation and system improvements To tackle these challenges, the department has implemented multiple strategic interventions. Schreiber outlined that 'one of the key interventions is the expansion of third-party data verification services, which will generate additional internal revenue to support system upgrades'. The department has also taken steps to better understand its technological limitations through expert analysis. 'The department also commissioned a system diagnostic study through the CSIR, which resulted in actionable recommendations,' he aaid. He confirmed that 'implementation of these recommendations is currently underway and includes measures to improve system performance, network stability and operational oversight'. New partnerships and governance measures Recognising the need for external expertise, home affairs has sought new technological partnerships. 'Furthermore, new partners have been engaged to stabilise the department's digital environment,' Schreiber said. The department has simultaneously strengthened its internal management systems. 'Enhanced internal controls and governance processes have been introduced to improve system monitoring, reduce downtime and protect sensitive data,' according to the minister. ALSO READ: Gauteng Traffic Police and Home Affairs immigration officers arrested for kidnapping and theft Regulatory changes and alternative service delivery Recent regulatory developments may provide the department with greater flexibility in sourcing ICT services. Schreiber welcomed the recent regulations published by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, in terms of the Sita Act. He said these would enable more responsive sourcing of ICT services. Malatsi published the new regulations that give government entities some freedom to outsource their IT systems independent of Sita. The condition is that the departments need to demonstrate that their procurement of these IT systems outside Sita will cost less or work more effectively. This regulation came into effect on 1 June. Its implementation came after senior government officials butted heads over Sita's effectiveness. Chairperson of the portfolio committee on communications and digital technologies Khusela Sangoni-Diko accused Malatsi of attempting to devolve powers away from the state-owned enterprise. However, Malatsi denied these claims, saying that they were simply 'devoid of truth'. He explained that the Sita regulations give departments freedom to procure outside of Sita. 'To do so, departments must present a strong and viable business case within existing public procurement prescripts, with faster turnaround times and reduced costs. This flexibility can improve public services for all South Africans by allowing the government to respond more quickly and use resources more efficiently – something long requested by many departments,' Malatsi said. Setting the record straight on SITA regulations and EEPs📢 — SollyMalatsi (@SollyMalatsi) April 9, 2025 Furthermore, the department is also exploring innovative approaches to service delivery that could reduce pressure on existing infrastructure. 'In addition, the department is exploring alternative service delivery channels, such as collaborating with third parties for service rollout in off-site or decentralised locations, to alleviate pressure on traditional office infrastructure,' Malatsi said. NOW READ: Solly Malatsi and Khusela Diko clash over Sita plans
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
New IT rules for government put service delivery ahead of politics
Efficient government depends on efficient systems, and government departments can now get the IT systems they need faster to improve service delivery. South Africa's new IT rules for government are a good idea as they will put service delivery ahead of politics, allowing departments to procure their own IT services instead of waiting for the State Information Technology Agency. Busisiwe Mavuso, CEO of Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA), states in her weekly newsletter that she was pleased to see new rules governing how government departments procure their IT services gazetted last week. 'I have written before about the critical role that IT must play in rebuilding a capable state. I warned that the ability of government to embrace world-class IT systems was too important to be held hostage by politics. 'The new rules are a victory for common sense and effective governance. The fact that this reform happened despite strong initial opposition from some members of parliament shows that when you present clear evidence and focus on what is best for citizens, you can cut through the noise of party politics.' ALSO READ: 'Challenges around salaries': Auditor-General says Sita can't afford ICT staff Government departments can now bypass Sita in certain cases and improve service delivery From now on, departments like home affairs and key public services like the police will be able to run competitive tender processes to procure the best systems and service providers in the market, instead of being compelled to use the State Information Technology Agency (Sita). Mavuso says the new rules are sensibly designed. 'They do not simply abolish Sita, but rather create a framework where departments can bypass the agency only when they can demonstrate that Sita cannot meet their requirements or that they can procure faster or at lower cost through normal government procurement processes.' Sita gets 10 working days to respond to any department's notice, giving the agency a fair opportunity to compete. This balanced approach addresses the real constraints departments faced while maintaining appropriate oversight and accountability. Only if Sita fails to respond, cannot meet the requirements, or cannot compete on speed and cost, can departments proceed with alternative procurement. What Mavuso finds most exciting about this development is the competitive pressure it will create. 'Sita will now have to compete for government business on merit, rather than relying on its monopoly position. ALSO READ: Here's how Western Cape's R1.2 billion IT tender was riddled with irregularities New IT rules should drive Sita to address mismanagement and improve service delivery 'This should drive the agency to address the corruption, mismanagement and poor service delivery that plagued it for years. If Sita can transform itself into an efficient, competitive service provider, the public sector will benefit from having multiple high-quality options. If it cannot, departments will not be trapped by its limitations. 'The potential for transformation is enormous. We know what is possible because we have a world-class example right here at home: Sars, which is proof that when public institutions have the autonomy to implement the best available technology, they can achieve excellence.' 'Today, taxpayers can complete assessments in seconds and make payments seamlessly. Sars is studied globally as a model of effective digital government. This happened because Sars had the freedom to procure and manage its own IT systems.' She says we should imagine how great it would be if Home Affairs could operate with the same efficiency. 'Citizens endured years of frustration with system failures that turn simple tasks like renewing an ID or applying for a passport into day-long ordeals. 'With the flexibility to access world-class IT systems, home affairs could transform these experiences. The same applies across government, from the police service accessing real-time crime data to social services delivering benefits efficiently.' ALSO READ: Solly Malatsi and Khusela Diko clash over Sita plans Departments must use new flexibility wisely However, Mavuso warns that departments must use their newfound flexibility wisely and ensure that their procurement decisions are based on genuine business cases, delivering measurable improvements in service quality. 'We cannot afford to see this opportunity wasted through poor implementation or capture by different vested interests. The changes are therefore not a solve-all, they merely open the opportunity for departments to procure world-class IT services. 'Doing so will require clear leadership and vision for the role of systems within the overall approach to how a department operates.' She says the ultimate test will be whether South Africans experience faster, more efficient and more reliable government services. 'If this reform enables departments to embrace digital efficiencies that transform their service delivery, it will have achieved its purpose. If not, it will just be another policy change that did not translate into real improvements in people's lives. 'The effort to rebuild government into a capable state will only succeed if we have the systems to support it. With this reform, we removed a significant obstacle to digital transformation. Now we must ensure that departments use this opportunity to implement the world-class systems that will enable them to deliver the quality of service South Africans deserve.' Mavuso says this is what evidence-based governance looks like – identifying problems, presenting solutions and implementing reforms that put service delivery first. 'More of this approach, please.'
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Sassa rolls out biometric ID checks for social grant clients
Sassa has announced the introduction of a mandatory biometric enrolment and identity verification process for clients who use alternative forms of identification other than the standard 13-digit South African ID number. This move, effective from May 5, 2025, forms part of Sassa's efforts to enhance the security, accuracy, and efficiency of its systems, and to protect the integrity of the country's social grant system. All new applicants who do not use the standard South African ID, as well as existing clients undergoing personal information reviews or changes, will be required to complete the biometric enrolment process. 'This initiative, which aligns with Regulation 13(1) of the Social Assistance Act, is a proactive measure aimed at enhancing security, improving the integrity of our systems, and preventing potentially fraudulent activities related to identity misrepresentation,' said Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi. ALSO CHECK: Enderun College takes part in World Book Day festivities To ensure a smooth implementation across all regions, Sassa's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) team, in collaboration with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), has trained a group of designated 'super-users'. These individuals will now facilitate regional training under the 'Train-the-Trainer' programme, equipping staff at every Sassa office to manage biometric enrolments efficiently. Sassa has also committed to ensuring that all offices are adequately staffed to assist clients and avoid delays during the rollout. 'Sassa is pulling out all the stops in tightening its systems and implementing measures meant to safeguard social grants—ensuring that we pay the right grant to the right person at the right time and place. Njalo!' the agency said in a statement. For enquiries about social grants, beneficiaries are encouraged to contact Sassa's toll-free number at 0800 60 10 11 or email GrantEnquiries@ ALSO CHECK: Perfectly styled parents: What to wear to your child's wedding At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
29-04-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Mandatory biometric verification for Sassa clients without standard ID numbers
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) announced the introduction of a mandatory biometric enrolment and identity verification process for clients who use alternative forms of identification other than the standard 13-digit South African identity number. The agency said the move was intended to strengthen security and improve the accuracy of client identification across its systems. Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi said starting on May 5, all new clients who used alternative forms of identification other than the standard 13-digit South African ID number, as well as existing clients undergoing reviews or changes to their personal information, will be required to undergo compulsory biometric enrolment. Letsatsi said the measure was part of Sassa's ongoing efforts to improve the integrity and efficiency of its systems and how it serviced clients. 'This initiative, which aligns with regulation 13(1) of the Social Assistance Act, is a proactive measure aimed at enhancing security, improving the integrity of our systems, and preventing potentially fraudulent activities related to identity misrepresentation,' she said. Letsatsi said to ensure readiness across all Sassa regions, the agency's information and communication technology team has worked with the State Information Technology Agency to train selected 'super-users'. These super-users are now well equipped to train regional staff on biometric enrolment as part of the 'train-the-trainer' process. 'This will ensure that every Sassa office will have trained officials when the biometric enrolment process commences. In addition, the agency will ensure there is a sufficient number of Sassa officials in offices to ensure a seamless transition and enrolment process. 'Sassa is pulling [out] all the stops in tightening its systems and measures that are meant to safeguard social grants, thus ensuring we pay the right social grant to the right person.'
The Citizen
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
SASSA enhances security with mandatory biometric verification
Sassa has announced the introduction of a mandatory biometric enrolment and identity verification process for clients who use alternative forms of identification other than the standard 13-digit South African ID number. This move, effective from May 5, 2025, forms part of Sassa's efforts to enhance the security, accuracy, and efficiency of its systems, and to protect the integrity of the country's social grant system. All new applicants who do not use the standard South African ID, as well as existing clients undergoing personal information reviews or changes, will be required to complete the biometric enrolment process. 'This initiative, which aligns with Regulation 13(1) of the Social Assistance Act, is a proactive measure aimed at enhancing security, improving the integrity of our systems, and preventing potentially fraudulent activities related to identity misrepresentation,' said Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi. ALSO READ: Teen rides 54km for a cleanerfuture and community pride To ensure a smooth implementation across all regions, Sassa's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) team, in collaboration with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), has trained a group of designated 'super-users'. These individuals will now facilitate regional training under the 'Train-the-Trainer' programme, equipping staff at every Sassa office to manage biometric enrolments efficiently. Sassa has also committed to ensuring that all offices are adequately staffed to assist clients and avoid delays during the rollout. 'Sassa is pulling out all the stops in tightening its systems and implementing measures meant to safeguard social grants—ensuring that we pay the right grant to the right person at the right time and place. Njalo!' the agency said in a statement. For enquiries about social grants, beneficiaries are encouraged to contact Sassa's toll-free number at 0800 60 10 11 or email GrantEnquiries@ ALSO READ: Tsakani CPF chairperson urges community to empower youth in crime prevention efforts At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
