Minister Malatsi Calls for Overhaul of South Africa’s Digital Policy Framework

The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, has called for a bold and unified effort to renew South Africa’s digital policy and regulatory framework to better reflect the country’s developmental goals and the rapid pace of global technological change. Speaking at a policy conference attended by leaders from government, industry, academia, and civil society, the Minister stressed that South Africa’s outdated frameworks and fragmented decision-making processes are constraining the nation’s ability to build a robust and inclusive digital economy.

Malatsi emphasized the urgency of reform, stating that the country cannot manage a modern digital economy with outdated rules. He pointed out that South Africa’s challenge lies not in a lack of innovation or ideas, but in the slow implementation of policy changes. The Minister said that South Africa needs a digital policy framework that captures the realities of today while harnessing the opportunities of the future.

The Minister further highlighted that the renewal process must involve all stakeholders in the digital ecosystem. He noted that effective policy reform cannot be driven by government alone but should be co-created with communities, businesses, and individuals directly impacted by the outcomes of these decisions.

Throughout the day, stakeholders engaged in discussions to identify key priorities for the government’s digital agenda. Among the major points raised was the recognition that the ICT sector plays a crucial role in driving growth across all areas of the economy. Participants called for greater clarity, consistency, and coordination in policy-making to create an enabling environment that supports investment and innovation.

Stakeholders also underscored the need for urgency in moving from planning to implementation. They urged the government to streamline regulatory approvals, cut red tape, and improve coordination between departments to fast-track partnerships and economic growth. Another important concern was the need for universal connectivity, with participants emphasizing that affordable access to data, digital devices, and a strengthened Universal Service Access Fund are essential to bridge the digital divide.

Additionally, the discussions highlighted that South Africa is rich in skills, knowledge, and innovation, but there is a pressing need for better mechanisms to unlock and apply these capabilities to local challenges. Harnessing homegrown innovation, they argued, could help develop sustainable digital solutions tailored to the country’s specific needs.

The conference marked the beginning of a broader effort to modernize and align South Africa’s digital policy environment. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies confirmed that this initiative will continue through sustained dialogue with stakeholders across the digital ecosystem. Follow-up sessions will be held to translate the identified priorities into concrete policy reforms and programmatic actions aimed at creating a dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready digital economy.