en.Wedoany.com Reported - Under the leadership of MEC Bonginkosi Dhlamini, the Gauteng Department of e-Government has been allocated R1.9 billion for the 2026/27 financial year to advance the province's digital transformation agenda and support the priorities of the Seventh Administration. The department is responsible for driving digital transformation across the province, modernizing public services, and improving broadband infrastructure.

This funding will be used to strengthen modern information and communication technology infrastructure, expand digital government services, enhance technology-enabled public safety, improve cybersecurity and digital resilience, accelerate ICT skills development, strengthen e-waste management, and establish an Artificial Intelligence Office to drive innovation within government. The department plans to build and connect 300 Gauteng provincial network sites, extending broadband connectivity to schools, healthcare facilities, libraries, and community centers, particularly in townships, informal settlements, and hostels, to promote digital inclusion and improve access to government services.

The department will continue to strengthen the Gauteng Digital Platform as a single access point for government services, while enhancing key digital platforms such as the e-recruitment system and the Gauteng matric app. Regarding the e-indigent register system, which has already been rolled out in Mogale City, Rand West City Local Municipality, and Merafong City Local Municipality, development is nearing completion in Midvaal, Lesedi, and Emfuleni local municipalities. Following ongoing consultations and system gap analyses, implementation will be expanded to metropolitan municipalities including the City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane, and City of Ekurhuleni.

To support digital literacy and improve service access, the department will appoint 75 e-ambassadors to assist residents in using government digital platforms and accessing online services. Through smart technology solutions, the department supports e-policing projects, having installed 960 CCTV cameras across Gauteng and distributed over 184,000 electronic emergency buttons to enhance emergency response and improve community safety. In line with its commitment to building a digitally skilled province, the department will train 5,500 government officials, award 70 ICT scholarships, provide experiential learning opportunities for 100 youth, support 12,000 youth through the Action Lab Programme, and empower 200 township ICT entrepreneurs.

Through the Youth in Science and Technology Expo G13 Hackathon series, young innovators from all five regions will be empowered to develop digital solutions addressing priority challenges such as crime, unemployment, education, healthcare, and service delivery. The department states it will promote environmentally responsible ICT practices, facilitating the safe disposal, recycling, and reuse of electronic devices to support employment and the green economy. Cybersecurity and digital resilience remain key priorities, and the department will continue to strengthen governance frameworks, security systems, and monitoring capabilities to protect government data. The AI Office will be established to coordinate and drive responsible AI adoption within government, supporting improved service delivery, modernized operations, enhanced public safety, and expanded access to digital services, while ensuring the ethical and safe use of AI.