WCG DoTP APP 2023/2024

The process to source a new broadband service is well underway, and is underpinned by a Broadband 2.0 (BB2.0) feasibility study for the WCG. The final outcome of this study is to provide the province with a comprehensive business, operating and financial model that will inform the specification of the next BB2.0 procurement process. With loadshedding being experienced daily it is important that the ICT technology is protected from power outages to ensure continuity of operation. The department has an ICT Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery plan that is invoked on a daily basis to ensure that departments remain operational. However, with many of our older ICT infrastructure not being equipped with built-in power surge protection, we have lost a number of these older devices at great cost. The department therefore must continue with its infrastructure refresh programme to improve the resilience of our ICT equipment. Through fostering connections (public, private and with citizens) opportunities for integration, partnerships and collaboration will be created, particularly between transversal enabling departments. The Department of the Premier’s contribution to spatial transformation in the Western Cape is vested in its mandate to drive the implementation and management of the PSP and PSIP in line with the Spatial Development Framework. The provision of data and evidence, such as a socio-economic vulnerability index, small area population estimates, and spatial mapping supports decision-making in a local context, particularly in marginalised communities. The department continues to support the implementation of area-based teams as a regional coordinating mechanism as part of the provincial safety plan. The department contributes to the improvement of access to government services and information through continuous digitalising of government services and taking free publicly accessible connectivity to communities. Digitising of services will, in the long run, reduce the cost to citizens to engage with government. The DXP (new westerncape.gov portal) is a key platform for improving citizens’ access and experience when engaging WCG. The community-based WCG eCentres Programme is located across 73 communities in the Western Cape. The centre location was determined in collaboration with the local municipalities and are mainly based in the most marginalised communities. However, there are many communities that do not have publicly accessible ICTs facilities where mobile facilities will enable us to take services to those communities. This will be a key intervention in the 2023/24 financial year. SERVICE DELIVERY THROUGH APPLYING A SPATIAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL LENS

37

DOTP ANNUAL PERFORMANCE PLAN FOR 2023/2024