SITA to modernize and digitally transform government services with Microsoft cloud in South Africa

Oct 30, 2019

Microsoft South Africa and SITA sign a MoU for government adoption of public cloud services.

South Africa’s State Information Technology Agency (SITA) will be moving its government services to Microsoft’s Azure cloud. Making Microsoft’s cloud the only public cloud that can be used by the South African government. A move Microsoft believes will accelerate the digital transformation of government services in South Africa. Microsoft and SITA signed the MoU at GovTech 2019 taking place at the Durban International Convention Center in Durban.

When we decided to invest in public cloud in South Africa we did so believing that it would have a dramatic impact on the country.

The announcement comes as Microsoft celebrates six months of its datacenters going live in South Africa. Microsoft also shared its commitment to continuously invest in and grow the services in the local datacenters. Nedbank, Standard, EXXARO and Altron have all signed up to use Microsoft’s’ cloud services.

The memorandum of understanding will empower Microsoft to engage with the National, Provincial and Local government through SITA.

Microsoft welcomes this move by SITA, Microsoft South Africa Managing Director, Lillian Barnard shares. She iterated that “when we decided to invest in public cloud in South Africa we did so believing that it would have a dramatic impact on the country“. Cloud technology Lillian says will also empower the private sector to innovate in ways that help to drive economic growth and job creation.

It is in line with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for South Africa to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution. And the opportunities it presents. At Microsoft it is important for us to partner with government departments to empower their digital transformation. Help them to maximise their ability to build economic growth. Broaden social inclusion, drive good governance and achieve better outcomes for South African citizens.

MoU Overview

Microsoft outlines four areas of the collaboration.

  • Build solutions utilizing Microsoft’s Cloud Platform and capabilities as part of the Government Private Cloud Ecosystem (GPCE).
  • Assist Government with the responsible adoption of Cloud Services.
  • Contribute to the development of SMMEs and skills in the country so as to ensure a thriving digital economy.
  • Unlock value from the existing government investment in the Microsoft ecosystem.