MZANSI network giants sat together to launch a collaboration, expected to serve wonders in the future.
On Thursday, 11 August, the Association of Communications and Technology (ACT) was launched at Melrose Arch, north of Joburg.
The formalisation was approved by operators Telkom, MTN, Vodacom, Rain, Liquid Telecom and Cell C. It advocates for thriving telecommunications by conducting best practice, research and analysis to inform the development of strategies, policy and regulations environment.
It is expected to assist these operators to create unity and provide a common message on industry-related matters.
It is also tasked to enable a transformed inclusion and diverse sector.
The launch was also attended by Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
She urged the association to bring meaningful transformation, and gave operators until end of August to enter into a social compact as a sector.
She said the compact must focus on Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises development, youth employment with relevant skills, women empowerment to curb gender-based violence and bring change in rural areas.
Ntshavheni added that the information and communications technology sector would be leading in investments.
"As part of the largest growing sector, we need to make sure that the majority of our young people are employed. I'm told that in five years time, telecommunications will be the largest sector in the economy of the country and world. It's not the responsibility of government to create jobs because we can only absorb this number. Government has the responsibility to create an enabling environment for industries and businesses to create jobs. As the largest sector, I'm going to count on you," said Ntshavheni.
Nomvuyiso Batyi, who previously served as special advisor to former communications minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, has been appointed as the association CEO since April.
Batyi said there had been gaps in policy and regulations for the longest time.
"ACT is a public benefit organisation. Our work is to find part of solutions appropriate for South Africa and its citizens. Our sector is fast-changing, and no one is waiting for South Africa," said Batyi.
She added that the investment and critical structures already made by the sector must be protected.
"We are also tasked to ensure that there is equipment for public schools and educational institutions; to promote and protect consumer rights in collaboration with other industries."
Ntshavheni acknowledged that the policy environment in this sector was redundant and 20 years behind.
"The regulator must implement policy. It's the first in this government that before the policy is published, the industry has insight," she said.
The policy is expected to be published for public comments in the coming weeks.
