RESPONSE TO PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION 1099 - BY THE HON MP DR HC VAN
SCHALKWYK: TO THE MINISTER FOR PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION
Whether knowledge of the information technology (IT) industry and specific
qualifications regarding information and communications technology (ICT) is
a requirement for a person to serve on the State Information and Technology
Agency (Pty) Ltd (SITA) board; if not, why not; if so, what (a)
qualifications and (b) experience in the ICT sector does each member of the
current SITA board have?
RESPONSE:
Appointment of the SITA Board Members is in accordance with section 10 of
the SITA Act no 88 of 1998, which does not specify on any requirements for
SITA Board members to have knowledge and experience in ICT. The only
specified areas reflected in the Act are for additional to serve as non-
executive members, one from the Department of Public Service and
Administration; one from Department of State Expenditure (National
Treasury); one with a legal background; and other members to be appointed
based on the grounds of their expertise.
Accordingly, the Minister for Public Service and Administration appointed
members from all the above mentioned sectors and the rest of the members
from diverse backgrounds in order to discharge the fiduciary
responsibilities defined in the Companies Act and other relevant corporate
governance principles.
In this regard the SITA Board is constituted of individuals that are highly
qualified and experienced in various fields to include:
ICT- vast knowledge, qualifications and experience in the ICT environment.
Accountancy/Finance â to ensure adequate oversight on the entityâs
compliance with the evolving accounting practices and standards as well as
the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)
Social development â as an agency of government, SITA is responsible for
integrated sustainability reporting as well as contribution to the
achievement of key government objectives, of which social development is
one
Stakeholder relations/ Communications â To be able to guide the Agencyâs
stakeholder relations and communications strategy and to facilitate
intertwining relationships that are symbiotic between the organization and
its stakeholders
Human capital â to provide oversight on the adequacy of process related to
the Human Resources systems and processes, including organizational design,
human resources planning and performance management
Legal background â to provide the Board with the capacity to monitor the
entityâs compliance with applicable laws and regulations as well corporate
governance compliance
Public development and management â members are able to track performance
and progress with regard to the service delivery objective that SITA is
mandated to carry