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In the heart of South Africa, a digital revolution is underway. The nation's ICT sector is growing faster than its GDP, making up a whopping 8% of the wealth generated each year. We're seeing the impact of this everywhere, from the rise of online payment systems to the vast data archives stored in the cloud. Our economy is becoming just as much a part of the online world as it is of the physical one.
Leading the charge in this transformation are the ICT infrastructure providers. Their influence can be felt daily, from small businesses to large manufacturing companies. The internet has become so ingrained in our lives that it's shaping our very existence.
This shift is especially noticeable in industries like mining, manufacturing, logistics, and retail, where advanced solutions are becoming the norm.
As businesses increasingly turn to cloud-based and interconnected services to streamline their operations, the importance of ensuring the efficiency and reliability of our networks cannot be overstated.
The rise of cloud services, internet access, and private networks has not only opened up new opportunities for traditional businesses but has also paved the way for the emergence of new enterprises.
However, ensuring reliable access to these networks has become a pressing issue. That's why there's been significant investment in building fiber networks to provide high-speed connectivity to both urban and remote areas.
In the past, private internet networks were mainly used for cutting-edge applications that drove efficiency and innovation. But now, they're increasingly being used for basic, reliable communication, especially in the face of challenges like load shedding.
Despite these challenges, we remain optimistic about the future. We see them as opportunities for growth and innovation, reinforcing our commitment to developing South Africa's digital infrastructure.
Over the past five years, we've invested billions into South Africa, launching data centers in Johannesburg and Cape Town and connecting thousands of public sites in the Eastern and Western Cape. But to sustain this investment and continue driving digital transformation, we need a stable policy framework that encourages further development of the ICT sector.
The digital transformation journey we're on isn't just about overcoming current challenges; it's about building a resilient future. Connectivity allows us to reimagine how we live and work, enabling remote operations and the use of IoT to drive efficiency and sustainability.
As we invest in our digital infrastructure, we're not just addressing the immediate challenges posed by the energy crisis; we're laying the foundation for a future that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.
Ensuring connectivity is just as crucial as ensuring power reliability. As we navigate our energy challenges, let's seize the opportunity to invest in our digital future and build a resilient and interconnected South Africa. Let's embrace the age of connectivity.