Digital Government Policy Framework | 2024 Draft

The South African Department of Public Service & Administration (DPSA) recently gazetted the Draft Digital Government Policy Framework (DGPF), inviting public input by 19 October 2024. This policy represents a pivotal moment for the country, setting the stage for a comprehensive digital transformation that promises to modernise public services, improve governance, and foster citizen engagement. But beyond its domestic implications, the DGPF carries significant geopolitical consequences that could reshape South Africa’s role in regional and global affairs.

This article examines the geopolitical, economic, and strategic consequences of the DGPF and how it positions South Africa as a leader in the digital era, while also addressing domestic challenges in data governance, cybersecurity, and public service modernisation.

Background: responding to the fourth industrial revolution

The draft policy framework directly responds to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Presidential Commission Report, published in 2020.

The report highlighted the need for a more comprehensive “transversal digital policy” that addresses issues overlooked in the narrow focus on artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain, and drones. The DGPF seeks to fill this gap by proposing a holistic approach to digital governance that emphasises data-driven governance, digital inclusion, and cybersecurity.

This policy framework aligns with global trends in digital transformation, where governments around the world are leveraging digital technologies to improve public services, foster transparency, and drive economic growth. By adopting such a framework, South Africa not only aims to modernise its public sector but also positions itself as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation journey.

Key findings from the 2018 Digital Maturity Assessment

In 2018, the DPSA conducted a digital maturity assessment across the public service. This assessment uncovered several significant challenges that the DGPF aims to address:

1. The 2012/13 policy framework for public service ICT governance was found to be ineffectively implemented, leading to fragmented digital initiatives across government departments.
2. Core ICT systems in the public service are largely outdated and run on obsolete hardware, hampering the efficient delivery of public services.
3. The public service has experienced frequent cybersecurity incidents, including the unauthorised disclosure of citizen data, undermining trust in government digital platforms.
4. Big data is rarely shared between government departments, limiting opportunities for integrated service delivery and reducing the effectiveness of public services.
5. The public service makes insufficient use of business intelligence tools to analyse data, which restricts the ability to provide insightfully informed services.
6. A lack of adequate digital skills among government personnel further reduces the potential for a positive return on investment in digital technologies.

These findings provide the foundation for the Draft DGPF, which seeks to implement international best practices and uniform standards across government departments to drive digital transformation.

Core interventions of the DGPF

The DGPF outlines several key interventions designed to address these challenges and align South Africa’s public service with international standards:

• Modernising ICT infrastructure: the policy calls for the replacement of outdated systems and hardware with modern digital technologies, including cloud services and digital platforms that will enhance service delivery.
• Data-driven governance: a core component of the policy is the adoption of data governance frameworks that encourage data sharing across government departments and the use of business intelligence tools to inform decision-making and improve public service delivery.
• Cybersecurity enhancements: given the rise in cybersecurity incidents, the DGPF emphasises the need for stronger cybersecurity frameworks to protect sensitive citizen data and ensure that public services are secure and reliable.
• Digital skills development: the framework also prioritises the training and development of digital skills within the public sector, ensuring that government personnel are equipped to manage and implement new digital technologies effectively.

These interventions are designed not only to modernise the South African public service but also to ensure that the country can compete in a global digital economy.

Geopolitical consequences of the DGPF

The DGPF’s comprehensive approach to digital transformation has significant geopolitical implications, both regionally and globally. As South Africa embarks on this digital journey, its standing on the world stage will be impacted in several key ways:

Strengthening South Africa’s leadership in Africa’s digital transformation

The DGPF positions South Africa as a regional leader in digital governance, with the potential to influence digital transformation efforts across the continent. By implementing advanced digital governance frameworks, South Africa could become a model for other African nations looking to modernise their public sectors.

• Regional influence: South Africa’s leadership in digital transformation could enhance its influence within organisations like the African Union (AU) and initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). As digital technologies become increasingly critical to cross-border trade and governance, South Africa could take the lead in shaping digital policy and data governance frameworks across Africa.

Economic competitiveness and global trade

A successful implementation of the DGPF would improve South Africa’s economic competitiveness by making the country a more attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), especially from global technology companies. The modernisation of public services would create a more business-friendly environment, streamline regulatory processes, and boost South Africa’s integration into global supply chains.

• Global trade relations: as South Africa strengthens its digital infrastructure, it will be better positioned to engage in international trade agreements that require compliance with global digital standards, including those set by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This could also open up new opportunities for South African companies in e-commerce and digital services, further integrating the country into the global economy.

Geopolitical alignments on technology governance

As South Africa enhances its data governance and cybersecurity frameworks, it will align more closely with global norms in digital sovereignty and data protection. This opens the door for stronger partnerships with global leaders in digital governance, such as the European Union (EU), which has established strict standards around data privacy through the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

• Partnerships with leading tech nations: by aligning with global digital standards, South Africa could forge new partnerships with technologically advanced nations like Estonia, Japan, and Germany. These collaborations could lead to joint ventures in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital public services.
• Technology diplomacy: South Africa’s adherence to global digital standards could position the country as a neutral ground for tech diplomacy, allowing it to mediate in international disputes around data privacy and cybersecurity.

Data sovereignty and global tensions

The DGPF’s focus on data sovereignty and citizen data protection could create tensions with global tech giants, particularly those advocating for free data flows across borders. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft may face stricter regulations in South Africa, which could complicate their operations in the country.

• Cybersecurity diplomacy: as South Africa strengthens its cybersecurity infrastructure, it could become a key player in international cybersecurity initiatives. This may lead to enhanced cooperation with countries that prioritise cyber defence, such as the United States, Israel, and European Union nations.

Regional cybersecurity leadership

By focusing on cybersecurity and data governance, South Africa can position itself as a regional leader in cybersecurity. This would involve creating cross-border cybersecurity agreements with other African nations and playing a leading role in continental cybersecurity strategies.

• Collaboration with global cyber powers: as cybersecurity becomes a major geopolitical issue, South Africa could build stronger ties with countries leading in cyber defence technologies, positioning itself as a hub for cybersecurity training and capacity-building across the African continent.

Navigating global technological power dynamics

South Africa’s adoption of global digital standards may place it in the centre of the emerging geopolitical tensions between the West (Europe and the United States) and China. As nations around the world wrestle with issues like technological decoupling, South Africa will need to navigate these tensions carefully.

• Balancing East and West: while South Africa is likely to adopt Western digital standards for data protection and cybersecurity, it may continue to rely on Chinese technology for infrastructure projects. This could lead to a delicate balancing act between its relationships with Western democracies and Eastern technology powers like China.

Public consultation: shaping the future of digital government

The DPSA has invited stakeholders, including civil society, businesses, and the public, to comment on the Draft DGPF. This public consultation period, which runs until 19 October 2024, provides an opportunity for citizens and experts alike to contribute to shaping the future of South Africa’s digital government.

Comments can be submitted to Tshifihiwa Mudau at tshifhiwa.mudau@dpsa.gov.za or ntsimanen@dpsa.gov.za by 20 October 2024, 12h00.

View the draft policy here.

Closing remarks

The Draft DGPF is more than just a roadmap for modernising public services—it is a bold step toward positioning South Africa as a leader in digital governance, economic competitiveness, and cybersecurity. The framework’s geopolitical implications will be far-reaching, potentially enhancing South Africa’s standing in regional and global forums, driving economic growth, and creating new opportunities for international partnerships.

At ITLawCo, we stand ready to assist both public and private sector clients in navigating this transformative landscape. By aligning with global best practices and leveraging the opportunities presented by the DGPF, South Africa can build a more secure, efficient, and inclusive digital future.