by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG – THE South African government has lauded the role played by Huawei in complementing the administration’s efforts to expand digital access.
Solly Malatsi, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, expressed gratitude at the just-concluded Huawei South Africa Connect 2025, held in the commercial capital Johannesburg.
In his keynote address, Malatsi commended executives from the Chinese global technology company, who he said had joined the department in some of the most remote parts of South Africa, to hand over smart devices to young entrepreneurs and top-performing learners.
“These may seem like small acts when viewed from a national perspective — but for the individuals on the receiving end, they are life-changing,” Malatsi said.
“As we prepare for our upcoming state visit to China, one of our clear priorities is to increase the level of smart device penetration amongst South Africans.”
The minister expressed confidence Huawei would continue to be a leading partner in this effort, “walking with us as we expand digital access to the millions of South Africans who are still offline.”
Malatsi added, “We have entered a new era where artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation are rapidly impacting every person, home, and industry. Business models are being reshaped, and new opportunities are emerging across every sector.”
“As Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, I remain encouraged by the potential of technologies like AI, 5G, and cloud computing to advance our national priorities,” Malatsi said.
Huawei has been operating in South Africa since 1998.
– CAJ News
