Information and communications technology is an important contributor towards improved public service delivery. It is for this reason that the State Information Technology Agency will again acknowledge the positive role South African businesses and individuals are playing in driving the adoption and effective use of state-of-the-art technologies by government at the SITA Public Service ICT Awards.

The awards have become a set feature of the Government Technology Conference, serving as an important “transformation agent” which promotes innovation, leadership excellence in information technology operations and best practice in public service delivery.

Dr. Setumo Mohapi, chief executive officer of the SITA, says the awards also recognise the stellar efforts made by all businesses in shaping the future of the public sector landscape, including the role of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), as well as “start-ups” as critical stakeholders in “e-government” initiatives.

“The nominations for 2016 are open to both individuals and organisations. If you think you or your business have the potential to spawn an idea to produce innovations that will make government function optimally and efficiently, you can nominate yourself or a colleague,” Dr. Mohapi says.

Last year’s inaugural event showcased the high level of sophistication of South Africa’s ICT industry.

The event attracted winning entries, such as Edit Innovations’ eBraille Project, which is revolutionising the quality of teaching and learning for visually-impaired learners; Praxis Computing’s access front-end mobile interface that assists the Department of Public Works with facilities management; and Gijima Holdings’ Intelli Dispatch solution and the South African Police Station Finder App.

This year’s SITA Public Sector Awards will attract the same calibre of entries, as the South African government continues to embrace digital solutions to improve service delivery.

GovTech 2016 will be hosted by the SITA from 30 October to 2 November at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng.