ICT Minister Savannah Maziya takes oath of office

By Ncaba Ntshakala

The Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Savannah Maziya has been officially sworn in after missing the swearing-in ceremony of Cabinet ministers last week.

The minister took the oath of office in the presence of Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, ICT Principal Secretary Phesheya Dube, Under Secretary Macanjana Motsa and her husband Dr Hubert Danso who witnessed the event.

This swearing-in ensures that the Ministry of ICT is now complete and can effectively carry out its mandate in the government. Cabinet was sworn in last week in a remarkable event that saw them pledging their allegiances to His Majesty King Mswati III, his successors and the entire Eswatini nation.

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The swearing-in ceremony was conducted before the Prime Ministers by Attorney General Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo. The Minister was away during the time the others were sworn in and she communicated about her absentia.

After the swearing, Maziya went to the ministry to do a meet and greet with her team. ICT has been described by His Majesty King Mswati III as one of the critical and important ministries which can facilitate development in the country.

During Sibaya, the King applauded the ministry for their impeccable work towards developing software and applications that made emaSwati access election results easily. Responsibilities of the Ministry of ICT include providing efficient and cost-effective information and communications technology services, providing policy guidelines and coordinating key information and media development processes within the Government.

It also provides information through radio, television, publications and other media technology formats; collects and preserves public and non-public records with enduring value for use by the public and government regardless of format; provides advice and direction on national communication policies, licensing regimes and regulatory frameworks designed to support the socio-economic and wellbeing of Swazi and also promote lifelong learning.

. . . CAN ICT MINISTRY STIMULATE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN ESWATINI?

The Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology in Eswatini plays a crucial role in leveraging technology to stimulate development and foster economic growth within the nation. Mduduzi Nhleko, an ICT specialist in the country, has pondered on how this crucial ministry can usher the Kingdom into first world status as per His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision. 

The ministry has a strong focus on bridging the digital divide and fostering an innovation-driven ecosystem, and it actively employs technology to unlock and harness the country’s full potential. None of the ministry’s remarkable objectives is to enhance connectivity and ensure that all citizens have access to reliable and affordable Internet services.

This is achieved through the ministry’s bodies which include Eswatini Communication Commission (ESCCOM) and Eswatini Post and Telecommunications Corporation. The ministry, through the mentioned bodies, facilitates the implementation of various initiatives, such as enhancing broadband infrastructure and expanding network coverage in both urban and rural areas. The Kingdom of Eswatini says that by improving connectivity, the country aims to empower individuals and businesses to fully utilize digital tools and platforms. 

According to Nhleko, the ministry must continue placing great emphasis on digital skills development. “Through educational programs and training initiatives, they can equip citizens with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the digital age.

Such includes promoting digital literacy among the youth and facilitating training programs to improve technical competencies in various sectors,” commented Nhleko.  The ministry further nurtures a skilled workforce, which creates opportunities for individuals and helps attract foreign investments, thus contributing to economic growth. 

Speaking to an economist, he echoed Nhleko’s words that the ministry can actively support the growth and development of the local technology sector. He is of the view that they can provide mentorship, funding, and incentives to startups and innovative ventures, fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and technological advancements.

According to economists, this can encourage the creation of new businesses and attract investment, leading to job creation and economic diversification. Another significant focus area of the ministry is e-governance. 

Emaswati during Sibaya applauded the efforts of His Majesty King Mswati III and the government to facilitate development in all sectors including in technology. ICT specialist Mduduzi Nhleko said that he applauds the effort made by the Ministry of ICT to streamline government processes and service delivery, making them more efficient and accessible to citizens.

This includes enabling online transactions, digitalizing government records, and implementing e-services to enhance citizen engagement and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks. Overall, Nhleko said that Eswatini is developing and can develop much further if the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology recognizes the transformative power of technology.

“They can actively employ various strategies to harness this power, bridging the digital divide, fostering innovation, and stimulating economic growth,” he said.