Recently elected Gauteng e-Government MEC, Bonginkosi Dhlamini from the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), has stated that his main focus will be to provide internet connectivity to underprivileged communities in the province. Dhlamini is among the three newly appointed MECs from parties other than the African National Congress (ANC) who are now part of the Gauteng Government of Provincial Unity.
Rise Mzansi’s Vuyiswa Ramokgopa has been appointed as the new MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, while the Patriotic Alliance’s (PA) Sheila Mary Peters has been appointed as the new MEC for Environment in the province. Dhlamini emphasizes the importance of providing internet access to poor communities.
“Connectivity and data is very expensive for poor people and therefore we must make sure that we roll out broadband even to poor communities. My passion is that poor people must have connectivity, especially those who are poor.”
“Because our data is very expensive… but at the same time we are not going to allow silos, all departments are custodians of ITC,” adds Dlamini.
Meanwhile, RISE Mzansi says it is confident that its member, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, will prioritize the fight against hunger in the province.
Spokesperson Mabine Seabe says, “This is a significant moment for the 16 million people of Gauteng who now have a new leader who will work in the executive arm of the province to advance the fight to ending hunger, ensuring access to sufficient food and reforming food systems, among other important issues, as we committed to do during our work in and with communities over the last 18-months.”
“RISE Mzansi wishes to express gratitude to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and the province’s residents for the opportunity to contribute as part of the Provincial Government of Unity,” Seabe expressed.
