I have been advised by the Department as follows:-
(1) (a) The ICT Plan of Action (POA) between South Africa and China was signed in Cape on 08 June 2015 by the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services from South Africa, Dr Siyabonga Cwele and the Minister of Industry and Information Technology from China, Mr Miao Wei.
(b) See 1(a) above.
(2)(a)(b) The POA involves nine (9) areas of collaboration and some progress has been made in the following areas:
RSA-China PoA Implementation Plan since signing in 2015 (Q1994)
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Broadband Infraco (BBI), a state owned entity, has concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China Telecom to boost investment in telecommunications. In April 2016, Mustek Limited Group (South African Company) signed a multimillion Rand investment Agreement with the Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable (Chinese Company). |
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In light of the fact that South Africa recently launched a Cyber Security hub, South Africa and China are sharing information and experiences in the area of Cyber Security. As part of ongoing implementation of the POA, the Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Prof. Mkhize hosted the Vice Minister of Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), Ms Wang Xiujun. The two Principals hosted an Internet Roundtable from 13-14 May 2016 in Durban. The Internet Roundtable was attended by ICT Industry and SMME’s from both countries. The meeting was used as a platform to discuss and share expertise in different areas such as Internet Information Infrastructure, e-commerce, electronic manufacturing, Cyber security, e-government & smart cities. Discussions on securing the online activities to ensure that technology provides secure platforms for e-identity are ongoing. China is also advanced in the area of e-identity and has developed legislation in this regard. |
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The Digital Object Architecture (DOA) – recently approved by Cabinet for domestic implementation. Department currently engaged in bilateral discussions with the government of China since they are one of BRICS member countries that have implemented the DOA successfully. |
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The South African Government is collaborating with China Telecommunications and Huawei in capacity building and e-skills development programmes. Currently:
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See above in relation to technology transfer (Joint Innovation Hub). |
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An Official Working Visit focusing on e-government was undertaken to China in April 2016. Furthermore, e-government was discussed during the Bilateral Meeting between the Vice Minister of Cyberspace Administration of China and the Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services in April 2016. |
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Well developed and small MME’s participated during RSA-China Internet Roundtable held from 13-14 April 2016. Big cooperates have been requested to incubate the small SMMEs for developmental purposes. |