Pretoria: 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 improve government service delivery.
According to South African Government News Agency, the funding will be used to modernise information and communication technology infrastructure, expand digital government services, strengthen cybersecurity, improve digital resilience, support ICT skills development, enhance e-waste management, and establish an Artificial Intelligence Office.
As part of the programme, the department plans to build and connect 300 Gauteng Provincial Network sites, extending broadband connectivity to schools, healthcare facilities, libraries, and community centres, particularly in townships, informal settlements, and hostels.
The department will continue developing the Gauteng Digital Platform as a single access point for government services while enhancing digital platforms such as the e-Recruitment System and the Gauteng Matric App.
Implementation of the e-Indigent Register System has been completed in Mogale City, Rand West City Local Municipality, and Merafong City Local Municipality. Development in Midvaal, Lesedi, and Emfuleni local municipalities is nearing completion.
The department plans to expand the system to metropolitan municipalities, including the City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane, and City of Ekurhuleni, following consultations and system gap analyses.
To encourage greater use of digital government services, the department will appoint 75 e-Ambassadors to assist residents in accessing online platforms and government services. Technology will continue to support the province's e-Policing Programme.
The department reports that 960 CCTV cameras have been installed across Gauteng, and more than 184,000 e-Panic Buttons have been distributed to strengthen emergency response and improve community safety.
The budget also includes initiatives aimed at developing digital skills. The department plans to train 5,500 government officials, award 70 ICT bursaries, provide experiential learning opportunities for 100 young people, support 12,000 youth through the Action Lab Programme, and assist 200 township-based ICT entrepreneurs with skills development, mentorship, and innovation support.
Young innovators across Gauteng's five regions will participate in the Youth Tech Expo G13 Hackathon Series, developing digital solutions to address challenges such as crime, unemployment, education, healthcare, and service delivery.
The department will continue implementing its e-waste management programme to promote the safe disposal, recycling, and repurposing of electronic equipment in support of job creation and the green economy.
Cybersecurity and digital resilience remain priorities, with ongoing efforts to strengthen governance frameworks, security systems, and monitoring capabilities to protect government data and secure digital services.
The department will establish an Artificial Intelligence Office to coordinate the adoption of AI across government, supporting service delivery, modernising government operations, enhancing public safety, and expanding access to digital services while promoting the ethical and secure use of artificial intelligence.