A sharp disagreement between Communications Minister Solly Malatsi and Parliamentary Portfolio Chairperson Khusela Diko has ignited a political storm. At the centre of this clash is the future of the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), a key institution responsible for government IT procurement and digital services. Their opposing views have sparked a national debate on how to modernise government systems effectively.
Understanding SITA’s Role in South Africa
The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) is central to how the South African government manages and delivers digital services. Created to unify IT procurement across departments, SITA aims to streamline operations, improve cybersecurity, and eliminate duplicated spending. By law, government departments must use SITA to acquire IT goods and services.
However, the agency has faced ongoing criticism. Departments often complain about slow turnaround times, lack of responsiveness, and limited flexibility. These inefficiencies have prompted renewed scrutiny and calls for reform.
Solly Malatsi’s Reform Proposal
Minister Solly Malatsi has proposed new regulations that would allow departments to bypass SITA and source IT services independently. His vision? More flexibility, faster delivery, and cost-efficiency.
“We are not abolishing SITA,” Malatsi clarified in a statement. “We’re simply enabling departments to act quicker while still adhering to national IT standards. It’s about empowering the public sector to be more agile.”
Malatsi claims widespread backing from fellow cabinet members within the Government of National Unity, presenting the move as a progressive step towards digital innovation.
Khusela Diko’s Firm Rebuttal
But not everyone agrees. Khusela Diko, who chairs the Portfolio Committee on Communications, has strongly opposed Malatsi’s plan. She argues that the move violates the SITA Act and risks fragmenting government systems.
“The minister should be strengthening this critical agency, not undermining it. Allowing departments to go it alone will only worsen fragmentation and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.”
Diko insists that any significant policy shift should undergo full legislative review, stakeholder consultation, and alignment with national goals.
Legal Experts Weigh In
The debate also raises legal red flags. Governance experts caution that regulations cannot override existing legislation.
Professor Marius Pieterse, a constitutional law expert from the University of the Witwatersrand,
“Even with executive support, the SITA Act remains binding. Any change in procurement protocols must be made through Parliament, not by ministerial decree.”
This legal nuance could turn Malatsi’s proposal into a longer-term legislative battle rather than a quick administrative fix.
Political Undercurrents
The dispute isn’t just technical — it reflects deeper tensions between the ANC and DA within the Government of National Unity. Malatsi, representing the DA, pushes for decentralisation and efficiency. Diko, an ANC leader, favours strengthening state institutions and maintaining central control.
Behind the scenes, insiders suggest both parties are navigating a delicate power balance in a newly formed coalition, where differing governance philosophies are bound to surface.
What It Means for South Africans
At stake is the efficiency and security of the digital services millions of South Africans rely on. From applying for social grants to renewing vehicle licences online, government tech must work smoothly and securely.
Thandi Mokoena, CEO of Open Digital SA, offered a public interest perspective:
“Any policy that affects digital infrastructure must prioritise data protection, service reliability, and equal access. We need transparency and public consultation before implementing such changes.”
Finding a Middle Ground
With both leaders standing firm, civil society is calling for compromise. Governance bodies like the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) have suggested a joint review panel to examine SITA’s performance and explore smart reforms.
In its latest policy brief, SALGA proposed:
“We support reforms that are legally sound, data-driven, and collaborative. There’s room to improve SITA’s efficiency without dismantling its core mandate.”
A phased approach may be the answer — where high-capacity departments gain limited autonomy under strict oversight while SITA undergoes structural improvements.
Shaping South Africa’s Digital Future
This dispute between Solly Malatsi and Khusela Diko over the SITA plans could define South Africa’s digital trajectory. It’s a clash not only of policy but of political vision.
As the Government of National Unity finds its footing, how it handles this issue will reveal its commitment to transparent, effective governance. Any decision must carefully weigh legal frameworks, operational risks, and the long-term needs of citizens.
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