The Minister of Communications announced several new initiatives and provided updates on others, in support of its readiness to lead the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) in South Africa.
1. The appointment (and later withdrawal) of an administrator (of a repurposed universal service agency) to implement digital migration, and repurposing the universal service fund to a 4IR fund
2. The appointment of an administrator (of a new technology company) to oversee government IT spend
3. The pending Data Policy, Smart Communities Framework, sectoral masterplans, and Digital Industrial Strategy
4. The pending Digital Skills Policy, and creation of digital skills institute
5. The merger of Sentech and Broadband Infraco
6. The merger of regulator, .ZA domain name authority, and Films and Publications Board
The Minister also announced that the final report of the 34 member 4IR Commission appointed by the President will be released in January 2020.
