The MICT SETA welcomes the Finance Minister’s Budget Speech for skills development in media and ICT sectors

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – 21 February 2024 – The MICT SETA welcomes the recent budget speech and particularly the of the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana.  The minister plans to avail over R7-billion in funding for the presidential employment initiative and the MICT SETA see’s the media, information and communication technology space as the epicentre for future skills.

In his budget speech for the fiscal year 2024, Finance Minister Godongwana unveiled a visionary plan that places a strategic emphasis on investing in the infrastructure, logistics and health sectors which are key sectors of the economy for tech and digitisation. The budgetary allocations and policies announced signal a promising era for the empowerment of individuals through targeted training opportunities as well as re-skilling an upskilling South Africans.  Furthermore, the MICT SETA believes that the skills revolution will assist in the broader transformation agenda of South Africa’s socio-economic landscape.

“One of the key highlights of the budget speech was the government’s commitment to the structural reform agenda that aims to address challenges that have held back economic growth,” said the MICT CEO, Mr. Matome Madibana.

Mr. Madibana said that Minister Godongwana’s allocation of substantial funds to various priority parts of the economy will ensure that all citizens, regardless of their location or socio-economic background, have access to training opportunities in these crucial fields. Mr. Madibana said: “By investing in digital infrastructure and education, the government aims to empower South Africans to participate fully in the increasingly digitized global economy.”

Recognising the vital role of media in shaping public opinion, the budget speech also outlined initiatives to promote media literacy and responsible journalism. Funds have been earmarked for training programs that equip journalists with the necessary skills and ethical considerations to navigate the digital age. This emphasis on media education not only safeguards the integrity of information but also contributes to the development of an informed and engaged citizenry.

The budget allocates substantial resources to foster ICT training opportunities, recognising the sector’s potential to drive innovation, economic growth, and job creation. Minister Godongwana’s focus on equipping South Africans with advanced ICT skills is a strategic move to position the nation as a hub for technological excellence. By investing in training and education, the government aims to create a workforce capable of harnessing the power of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, for the benefit of the nation.