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MINISTER MALATSI SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON SITA REGULATIONS AND EEIP’S

The claims by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Communications on Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms Khusela Sangoni-Diko, on the proposed State Information Technology Agency (SITA) regulations and draft policy directive on equity equivalent investments programmes (EEIPs) are devoid of truth. The SITA regulations, which enjoy overwhelming support from Ministers in the Government of National Unity as well as provincial governments, give departments the freedom to procure outside of SITA. To do so, departments must be able to present a strong and viable business case, within existing public procurement prescripts, at a faster turnaround time and lower cost. This flexibility can improve public services for all South Africans by ensuring that government can respond faster and spend resources more efficiently, something which has been requested by several government departments for some time.
These regulations are fully aligned with existing laws on government procurement and already have the concurrence of the Minister of Finance, as required by the SITA Act.
 
 
Anyone with basic knowledge of the empowerment laws in our country knows EEIPs are permissible by law in South Africa and have been the source of major investments in our economy, including in sectors such as the automobile industry. Recognising their potential, the government’s Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP), formally approved by Cabinet has adopted the introduction of EEIPs in the ICT sector. Claims that these proposals undermine transformation are baseless and false. It is plain for all to see that this propaganda campaign is part of Ms Sangoni-Diko’s political audition for a possible executive role. We see it for what it is, and we will not be distracted from improving the delivery of services to the citizens of this country.
 
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
 
Ministry Spokesperson: Mr Kwena Moloto
Cell : 083 269 3189
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URL : www.dcdt.gov.za
Facebook : Department of Communications & Digital Technologies.
 
X : @CommsZA
 
Issued by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies