The merger of the previously fragmented departments of Communications and Telecommunications and Postal Services is under way as Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams eyes a futuristic Ministry.

The new Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) is being designed to align and coordinate matters deemed critical to the digital economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in South Africa.

“We have, since our appointment, been seized with the task of creating a new department that places, at its centre, the digital transformation of government and support for a digital economy and society,” she explained during her Budget Vote speech.

The “optimal structural and institutional framework” will encompass and define the focus areas and operating model of the new department, while aligning with the outcomes of the Presidential Commission to position the DCDT to champion South Africa’s response to 4IR.

“The design and alignment of work will inform and guide our continuing operations in relation to some of the key public policy promises made under the previous department,” she explained.

The department is engaging stakeholders to finalise the organisational structure and a strategic plan.

State-owned entities under the department are also being reconfigured in line with the new mandate, with the establishment of a new infrastructure company on the cards.

The new entity, which will be responsible for the roll-out of infrastructure and connectivity, aims to harmonise and coordinate all State infrastructure initiatives.

“We will further reconfigure our entities to create a streamlined regulator that will respond to the emerging needs of the digital society,” she added.

Along with this, the current State Information Technology Agency will be repurposed to drive innovation, transformation, localisation, cybersecurity, egovernment and information technology (IT) service management, and allow for the establishment of the State IT Company to drive digital transformation in government.

Further, the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa will be positioned as a digital skills institute that will train government employees and members of the public.

“As part of ensuring development of the sector, we will also present to Parliament the Digital Development Fund Bill to establish the fund to support innovation,” Ndabeni-Abrahams said.

The South African Post Office and Post Bank will be developed to take advantage of the thriving ecommerce and financial services environments.

Lastly, government is actively looking at strengthening the South African Broadcasting Corporation.