DIRCO Deputy Minister on Behalf of the DCDT at the 10th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting, Innopolis Russia
H.E. Maksut Shadaev, Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation
H.E. Sonia Faustino, Vice Minister of Communications of the Federative Republic of Brazil
H.E. Madhu Arora, Vice Minister of Communication, of the Republic of India
H.E. Zhang Yunming, Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China
H.E. Raafat Hindy, Vice Minister - Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Arab Republic of Egypt
H.E. Hassan Salarieh, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Islamic Republic of Iran
Programme Director, Ladies and Gentlemen
I would like to take this moment to sincerely thank our host, Russian Federation Presidency in the manner they have provided us with the most exceptional hospitality.
Russia is indeed a beautiful land, and it was a privilege for us to witness these moments.
We note that the theme for the BRICS Russian Presidency is “Sovereignty vs Connectivity” and in our view it signifies the current global discourse influenced by the emergence of digital technologies that has challenged humanity aspects we know characterised by borders and boundaries.
This topic is considered appropriate especially realising that in the past week, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) approved a remarkable resolution within our lifetime known as the “Pact of the Future” which encouraged the globe to immerse itself on two (2) aspects, Digital Transformation and Climate Change.
Another remarkable UN approval is the Global Digital Compact (GDC) that has indicated that consensus on aspects that are significant to BRICS formation matters. We us today is to note that the three areas from the Russia 2024 BRICS Presidency which are: Digital Connectivity; Artificial Intelligence; and Digital Competency are reflected vividly and allows us to make more meaningful contribution.
As the Republic of South Africa, located with the African continent, we have demonstrated our tangent to understanding the existential threat of not addressing Digital Transformation and its related aspects. As the African continent, we have proudly developed policies and strategies that are within the prospect of digital economy which to mention a few are:
- African Agenda 2063 plan which charts a way for our most precious Continent to position itself to be a recognised force in the future.
- The African Union Digital Transformation Strategy which outlines the most important aspects pertinent to the continent to harness areas that we have strategic advantage.
- The African Union Data and Cloud Framework which points out on how data as a developmental tool can be harnessed for prosperity and growth.
- Currently, the African Union is developing “AI Continental Strategy” negotiated among African States to ensure that AI as a transformative technology will place the continent towards global competitiveness.
It will be remiss to also not demonstrate from the domestic level how as BRICS member we have developed policies that are aligned to Russia BRICS Presidency priorities because we have in our tool policies that are aligned.
As South Africa, we have the following policies and Strategies that signifies alignment to the Declaration which are:
- The South Africa Connect (Broadband Policy) which indicate how we will traverse the goal to ensure that all South Africans are connected to Internet through all measures required. We have agreed with all key stakeholders to commit to connect the public service areas as an obligation to have access to spectrum.
- The Digital and Future Skills Strategy which outlines the strategic skills and required partnerships to ensure that as a country we develop enough digital skills sets ready for the future and current setup
- Data and Cloud Policy that acknowledges that South Africa is a future hub for emerging technologies prosperity and outline measures needed to be relevant.
Programme Director, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me briefly venture in some of the aspects within the draft and current Ministerial Declaration areas pertinent to South Africa global aspirations. This we do, because we are proud members of the Global South community and challenges it carries.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We share, as reflected in the technical discussions preceding this meeting, common challenges and opportunities in deploying AI.
AI technologies are advancing rapidly worldwide, and it is essential for all BRICS members to take up an innovative stance to stay competitive. We must keep pace with global advancements to avoid falling behind in technological capabilities where AI drives economic growth and industry adoption.
South Africa has a number of policies, from our national vision, the National Development Plan 2030 (NDP) and the specific work done by the Presidential Commission on Fourth Industrial Revolution (PC4IR) adequately out line our ambition in using new and emerging technologies to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality are overcome.
AI is a crucial tool in addressing these and transforming South Africa's economy by reducing unemployment and fostering innovation. However, developing a comprehensive AI policy for South Africa is crucial. This policy will align with global AI governance standards. This policy is meant to address socio-economic disparities to leverage AI for economic transformation and social equity.
To this end, investing in education and digital infrastructure is fundamental. This ensures equitable access to AI technologies and maximizes their transformative potential.
We have partnered with four universities to create AI hubs within the AI institute with each focusing on a unique sectoral theme – ranging from digital identity, manufacturing, agriculture, to defence and security. These sectors that are crucial to create a dynamic and competitive economic environment that adapts to global changes and leverages AI for sustainable growth.
Among the challenges that we need to overcome to enable AI Integration are the protection of data and privacy, resource and infrastructure constraints, cyber threats, lack of expertise as well as the vulnerabilities of the larger supply chain.
AI systems require large amounts of personal data, making data privacy and protection critical. To this end, South Africa has enacted the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) to curb data breaches and abuse.
We are working hard to address these challenges through investment in education and training, improving the standards of AI, effective public-private partnerships as well as ensuring greater awareness to the public regarding the benefits and risks of AI.
Programme Director, Ladies and Gentlemen
Digital Infrastructure & Digital Competence
Digital Infrastructure development is one of the global issues that has found consensus in almost all global digital governance forums/platforms.
For example, in the past 3 years, G20, has led in debate and exchange of best practice on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which has been the same discussion that took place in the United Nations. The G20 led by India in 2023, Brazil in 2024, and South Africa in 2025 will ensure that the discussion on the DPI specifically, must not lose momentum.
Digital infrastructure deals largely with digital platforms that can be leveraged to deliver essential services to citizens and provide digital inclusive solutions that enhance their living experiences.
In the South African context, we seek digital solutions which have their foundation to support local and foreign investment, economic growth, economic inclusion, citizen protection, sustainability and strengthening the security and sovereignty of the Republic.
South Africa has produced several programmes, policy and regulatory aimed at achieving the digital infrastructure and digital transformation ambitions of the country. To that extent, South Africa in implementing the SA Connect programme, has approved Digital Transformation policies, Cabinet has passed the Data and Cloud Policy etc.
South Africa is also strengthening its cyber environment through the development of the Cybersecurity legislation, in addition to the Cybercrimes Act that has already been promulgated by our government. It is part of creating a digital trust environment that will enable our citizens to participate in digitally enabled socio-economic and developmental endeavours activities securely and confidently online. These legislations also enable collaboration between South Africa and its global partners in the fight against international cybercriminals.
South Africa has the National e-Government Strategy and Roadmap in 2017 which was ultimately approved by Cabinet to address challenges and opportunities brought about by digital transformation. The impact will be improved public services.
Efforts are also in place to develop a Digital Public Infrastructure Roadmap to accelerate digital transformation efforts in public service.
We are prepared to engage with and establish collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships with BRICS members and in the continent. Notwithstanding our developmental status, we still seek partnerships that will not cannibalise our resources, but rather seek to enable us to optimise our capabilities to ensure that we are able to build future sustainable and reciprocal relationships.
We have faith in the outcomes of the Declaration as it relates to cooperation in digital infrastructure.
Lastly, we are all aware that South Africa will be hosting the G20 Presidency for the first time as an African country in 2025.
We would like to assure you that we intend to ensure that the moment and trajectory witnessed since the G20 Troika of India, Brazil and South Africa will champion the global South Challenges and ensure that we significantly closed the gap of global digital divide of 2,7 billion unconnected people.
We are now afoot to finalise the plans at the national, provincial and local levels to make you feel at home when you hit our shores next year.
I thank you
ADOPTION OF THE DECLARATION OF THE 9TH BRICS COMMUNICATIONS MINISTERS MEETING - MINISTER STATEMENT
Ladies and gentlemen,
We commend the work put in by our officials in reaching consensus and a common commitment to all the areas discussed. We have found a way to compromise and deepen our cooperation for our mutual benefit.
South Africa accepts the 10th BRICS Communications Ministers Declaration of 2024 as a true and accurate reflection of our collective ambitions.
We look forward to a progress report in the implementation of our outcomes, in 2025 in Brazil.
Thank you.
Download Document here: DIRCO Deputy Minister on Behalf of the DCDT at the 10th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting, Innopolis Russia
