State Information Technology Agency Bill: deliberations

Meeting report

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION SELECT COMMITTEE
19 September 2002
STATE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AGENCY BILL: DELIBERATIONS

Chairperson: Mr B Mkhaliphi

Presentation on provisions in the Bill
SITA Amendment Bill [B24 - 2002]
SITA Amendment Bill [B 24A-2002]
SITA Amendment Bill [B 24B-2002]

SUMMARY
The meeting addressed questions around Clause 7 (1)(a) and (b). The section provides that certain services must, if required, be rendered to national and provincial government departments whilst others may, if required, be rendered to departments. The use of 'must' and 'may' was the source of confusion to some members (e.g. Mr Maloyi). In essence they could not differentiate the meaning of subsection (a) from that of subsection (b). SITA clarified the meaning of the provision by saying that all that subsection (a) seeks to do is to ensure a uniform approach to IT within the government. This would ensure that all IT systems are compatible. Subsection (a) create an obligation for departments to use SITA services whereas subsection (b) does not.

Another contentious issue raised dealt with the Agency's consultation with SALGA and provincial departments. SITA representatives indicated that workshops had been conducted on the Bill. The Government IT Council, which comprises representatives from all provinces also took part in the workshops.

Ms J Kgoali (ANC) expressed the view that consultation with individual officials should not be confused with thorough consultation. She was of the opinion that the critical question was whether there was proper consultation with SALGA. She indicated that the security of government is very important. Further, service delivery is largely undertaken by municipalities. If municipalities are not brought on board there might be huge security risks.

SITA conceded that there had been no proper consultation with municipalities and promised to engage in talks with municipalities in the near future.

The meeting was adjourned.