11 July 2025

The ANC Study Group on Communications and Digital Technologies has engaged thoroughly with the 2025 Departmental Budget Vote, recognising both its potential and its glaring shortcomings. Whilst we acknowledge the R7.8 billion allocation over the MTEF period, we remain deeply concerned by the failure of the Department to build on the ANC’s transformative digital legacy and its regression in critical policy areas. Our assessment reflects both the progress made under the ANC’s 6th Administration and the current administration’s troubling departure from a pro-poor, inclusive digital agenda.

It is deeply concerning that the department seems to be dismantling this progress. The Minister’s silence on establishing a State Bank using Post Bank infrastructure, reveals a regressive approach. The progress made in connecting underserved areas stands as a testament to what can be achieved when the government prioritises people-centred development

As the ANC Study Group on Communications and Digital Technologies, we recognise that our path to full digital inclusion requires decisive action. We must accelerate the rollout of broadband infrastructure to close the connectivity gap, particularly in rural and township communities.

We are deeply concerned by attempts to undermine our public institutions and reverse the gains we have made in building state capacity. We will vigorously oppose any efforts to weaken entities like SABC, SAPO and SITA, which play vital roles in service delivery and digital inclusion. These institutions must be strengthened as they are crucial to realising our vision of a digitally empowered nation.

We emphasise the urgent need to modernise our legislative framework to keep pace with technological advancements. Outdated regulations cannot govern a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The ANC is committed to driving comprehensive legal reforms that promote fair competition and create opportunities for emerging black-owned enterprises in the ICT sector.

We see the allocated budget as a key driver to achieve our transformative digital objectives, making sure each rand is strategically used to close the digital divide and support historically disadvantaged communities. We believe the budget must aggressively expand affordable broadband access to rural and township areas and strengthen our public digital infrastructure.

We will monitor expenditure closely to ensure these public funds truly serve the needs of our people rather than corporate needs or political interests.

As the Study Group, we support this budget conditionally, and insist on strict Portfolio Committee oversight to prevent further derailment of our digital transformation agenda.

Issued by the Whip of the ANC Study Group on Communications and Digital Technologies, Cde I Subrathie.

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