EP.01 | Minister Solly Malatsi: Is South Africa Ready for a Digitally Inclusive Future?

In this episode Solly Malatsi, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, joins Akim Benamara, our Chief Editor and Founder, to unpack the country’s digital strategy, recent policy shifts, and his vision for a truly connected South Africa. Recorded early in Malatsi’s tenure, the conversation reveals the clarity of his vision and the commitment to action that has since followed. 
 
South Africa has no shortage of tech innovation, talent, or potential. But what if the real roadblocks to digital transformation aren’t technical—but systemic? Outdated policies and misplaced priorities may be slowing down the nation’s digital future. How can the country overcome these to lead in connectivity, economic growth, and tech inclusion? 

About Our Guest: Min. Solly Malatsi 
Solly Malatsi brings a unique perspective to South Africa’s digital transformation. Though he considers himself an “outsider” to the sector, his brief time on the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technology gave him a firsthand look at the industry’s scope. Now, with a focus on affordability, accessibility, and innovation, he is determined to drive meaningful change. 

Digital Inclusion: Infrastructure, Affordability, and Policy Reform 
Malatsi identifies three key barriers to inclusion: broadband infrastructure, device affordability, and data costs. “Having a smart device is not a luxury,” he says, calling it a necessity. The government is pursuing tax reforms to lower device costs and pushing forward initiatives like SA Connect, which offers free Wi-Fi in schools and clinics. For him, ICT policy is a tool for economic opportunity and job creation. 

Leadership, Political Will, and Bureaucratic Alignment 
Political will means “the ability to take decisions when they need to be taken.” Malatsi credits the national unity government with fostering responsiveness but emphasizes that leadership must also engage the bureaucracy—the drivers and executors of policy—to maintain momentum. 

Emerging Technologies: Ethical AI and Cross-Sector Impact 
Malatsi rejects narrow definitions of digital transformation, stressing its cross-sector impact, particularly in cybersecurity. On AI, he sees potential in productivity and creativity but also cautions against ethical risks like misinformation and IP misuse. 

Digital Literacy, Education Reform, and Meaningful Digitization 
Digital literacy is a government priority, with plans to integrate digital tools into education and reform curricula for future-ready skills. Malatsi stresses that technology must be “an instrument for progress, not a box-ticking exercise.” He critiques shallow digitization and calls for better digital public services. 

“The ultimate goal is to have a digitally inclusive South Africa. As long as I'm in this role, everything we do will be geared towards digital inclusion—expanding digital skills, creating opportunities, and ensuring that as many South Africans as possible can participate in the digital economy.”
 — Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies 

This episode was filmed on: 7th August 2024 at the Multichoice Headquarter in Johannesburg

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