Africazine:
South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has strengthened its leadership team with new appointments.
The department has appointed three new deputy directors-general, completing its senior leadership structure for the first time since its formation in 2020. This brings the total number of permanent DDGs to six, aligning with the department’s approved organizational structure.
New Leadership Appointments in South Africa’s DCDT
Communications Minister Solly Malatsi announced the appointments of Gcobisa Soci, Dick Sono, and Jeanette Morwane as deputy directors-general. These leaders will oversee corporate management services, digital infrastructure and technologies, and media and content, respectively. Their addition aims to enhance the department’s capacity to foster a competitive digital economy.
Malatsi emphasized the importance of these appointments in building a capable management team. The DCDT has faced challenges with leadership instability and high vacancy rates, which have hindered its effectiveness.
South Africa: Key figures on Deputy Directors-General
- Number of permanent DDGs: 6
- Vacancy rate: 18%
- Target vacancy rate: 9%
- Projected personnel increase: from 307 to 338
- Timeframe for personnel increase: 2025/26 to 2028/29
Plans for Strengthening Human Resource Capacity
The DCDT aims to fill vacant posts, including a chief financial officer and other middle management positions. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance human resource capacity and ensure effective delivery on its mandate. The department’s recent organizational structure approval supports these efforts.
Minister Malatsi has prioritized stability within the department, which has been plagued by leadership issues in the past. The new appointments are a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Next Steps for the DCDT
- Fill vacant posts, including chief financial officer
- Increase personnel from 307 to 338 by 2028/29
- Continue to strengthen human resource capacity
South Africa’s DCDT is now better equipped to lead the digital economy.
