The Transformation of South Africa's Parliamentary Communication Services in the Digital Age
About the Parliament of South Africa. Written on September, 2021
Introduction
The Parliamentary Communication Services of South Africa has been experiencing a critical challenge in adapting to the new demands of an increasingly digital world. This essay will discuss the role of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in transforming the services and ensuring a more citizen-centric approach. We will also delve into the steps taken by the South African Parliament to enhance its digital presence and the challenges faced during this transformation.
Bicameral Parliament and Provincial Legislatures
South Africa's Parliament is bicameral, comprising the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, with a total of 190 members. Additionally, there are nine provincial legislatures that work collaboratively as part of the legislative sector. The main focus of these legislative bodies is to serve as an activist parliament, ensuring that citizens' needs are met and that there is a strong commitment to outcomes and making a difference.
Strategies and Research
Following the 2019 elections, the sixth parliament adopted an oversight and accountability model, which focuses on public participation and communication. Alongside this, they also implemented a new knowledge management strategy and an ICT strategy. These strategies are interlinked to provide a more citizen-centric parliament. Research has been commissioned to gauge public perceptions and stakeholder satisfaction levels since 2016. This research has helped guide improvements and adapt to the demands of the citizens.
COVID-19 and the Digital Transformation
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the South African Parliament had to quickly adapt to new ways of operating. In April of 2020, they began hosting online virtual meetings for parliamentary committees. This allowed them to continue their work while adhering to lockdown regulations. Over time, they have made significant strides in enhancing their digital capabilities, including setting up dedicated television studios for seamless live productions, pre-recorded programs, and interviews. They have also improved tools for tracking various performance indicators of the institution, such as public perception and satisfaction of members of parliament.
Digital Initiatives
Parliament has undertaken numerous digital initiatives to optimize its digital presence. They have revamped their website to enable more on-site service delivery and position themselves to capitalize on the digital terrestrial transmission migration happening in South Africa. Emphasis has been placed on real-time communication with citizens, with an increase in the use of social media, television, and radio to reach the public.
Projects and Challenges
Several projects are currently underway to improve parliamentary services. These include free-to-air parliamentary television, bulk storage of digital media content, transforming the switchboard into a state-of-the-art contact center, and automating business processes. The aim is to provide a more integrated and meaningful experience for South African citizens.
However, there are still challenges faced by the institution. Cybersecurity remains a top concern, and there are ongoing efforts to improve legislative drafting, online petitions, resolution tracking, and access to institutional performance data. Additionally, the issue of e-voting needs to be addressed to ensure the integrity and secrecy of the voting process.
Conclusion
The South African Parliament has made significant strides in transforming its communication services and adapting to the digital age. Through the implementation of various strategies and initiatives, they have managed to provide a more citizen-centric approach to governance. While there are still challenges to overcome, the institution is on course to optimize its digital presence and capitalize on the opportunities provided by e-parliament. This will ultimately lead to a more accessible and transparent government, better serving the citizens of South Africa.