Information Communication Technology (ICT) is recognised as a key enabler of economic growth
and development in South Africa. Progress towards modernising ICT in the public sector has
been slow and the government lags the private sector in terms of ICT adoption, including cloud
computing. The ICT policy environment remains fragmented and ICT adoption in the public sector
has been hampered by protracted policy processes and stalled decision-making and generally
there is a gap between what is stipulated in policy documents and implementation of these
policies and guidelines in practice. Negative macro-economic conditions have necessitated the need for the public sector to look for ways to meet the increasing demands for service delivery within a limited budget. Cloud computing, which falls under the domain of ICT is viewed as having the potential to promote greater efficiencies, integration, coordination and cost savings within the public sector. Cloud computing is also expected to enable the government to meet the objectives set out in the
National Development Plan and SA Connect, including achieving better coordination between
government departments and enabling the delivery of e-government services, yet the use of these
services have been limited within the public sector.
