Assumptions

Technology and Policy Assumptions

• Alignment with International Standards: South Africa’s digital transformation aligns with broader regional and international frameworks. This includes the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020–2030) the UN Global Digital Compact, and adherence to ISO technology standards. Further alignment with frameworks such as the OECD Digital Government Principles, the G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Declaration, and the World Bank Digital Government Principles ensures South Africa’s transformation is consistent with global best practices and regional aspirations.
• Distributed Model for User Control: A distributed technology model is essential, where control is decentralised, placing more autonomy in the hands of people and service users.

Business Assumptions

• Industry Alignment and Leverage of Existing Solutions: The roadmap leverages existing industry capabilities and partnerships rather than developing solutions from scratch, promoting efficiency and innovation.
• Inclusive and Dynamic Ecosystem: Collaboration with an inclusive ecosystem is vital, as is adopting a merit-based approach that encourages dynamic participation from diverse stakeholders.
• Value Creation and Shared Benefits: The transformation is designed with a focus on value creation and equitable value sharing, benefiting both government and ecosystem partners.
• Rapid Development with Iterative Improvements: High-speed development and iterative testing are prioritised, acknowledging that frequent failures and adjustments are part of the journey, with success measured by the actual use and impact of digital services rather than initial development alone.

People Assumptions

• Bridging the Digital Divide: The roadmap assumes an inclusive approach that accommodates users with varying levels of digital literacy, including accessible, intuitive interfaces suitable for all, such as “granny operations.”
• Self-service Enablement: Technology solutions should empower users with limited technical skills by incorporating self service capabilities, making digital transformation accessible across the board and shifting capabilities to users without extensive technical expertise.

These assumptions lay the groundwork for the roadmap’s implementation, ensuring alignment with best practices and responsiveness to South Africa’s unique socio-economic landscape.