By Nonhlakanipho Masola
- Stakeholders position digitalisation and strategic partnerships as key drivers for inclusive growth and improved social service delivery.
- Industry and government emphasise the growing role of connectivity, cloud solutions and emerging technologies in expanding access to services and employment opportunities.
- Panel discussions highlight the urgent need to equip young people with digital skills to participate meaningfully in South Africa’s evolving economy.
The EPWP Social Sector Conference continues to advance critical conversations on how digitalisation can strengthen social service delivery, expand skills development opportunities, and create pathways to dignified and sustainable work.
Building on reflections from the first day, stakeholders have been engaging on how collaboration and technological innovation can position the Social Sector as a catalyst for inclusive growth. Discussions reaffirmed the importance of aligning digital transformation with community needs while ensuring that programmes remain people-centred and accessible.
Day one of the conference laid a strong foundation, with delegates reflecting on the impact of the EPWP Social Sector over the past twenty years. Participants noted that many entry-level opportunities created through the programme have evolved into recognised professions in health, education and community development, demonstrating the programme’s long-term contribution to livelihoods and social transformation.
Continuing this momentum, day two placed emphasis on deepening collaboration, strengthening skills development, and embracing digitalisation as a key enabler of social impact.
Embracing Digitalisation for Social Impact
Addressing delegates, Peter Malebye, Chief of Sales at Vodacom Business, highlighted the critical role of digital technologies in advancing inclusive development and improving access to essential services.
He noted that although technology budgets across sectors remain constrained, digital solutions are becoming increasingly cost-effective, enabling broader reach and greater impact even within limited resources. Digitalisation, he emphasised, is no longer a future aspiration but a present-day reality, particularly within Africa’s rapidly growing urban centres.
Through strategic partnerships between government and industry, technology is already transforming public services — from smart utilities and water management to public safety, financial inclusion and frontline healthcare. Connectivity, cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and data-driven platforms were identified as essential tools in easing pressure on public infrastructure and bringing services closer to communities, especially in townships and rural areas.
Malebye reaffirmed that Vodacom’s purpose-driven approach places social impact at the centre of innovation, noting that many of the company’s digital solutions began as social interventions before scaling into sustainable platforms that empower people and communities.
Panel Discussion: Technology as an Enabler of Service Delivery and Employment
As part of the conference programme, a panel discussion explored current innovations to strengthen the delivery of EPWP social services through technology and digital approaches. The dialogue focused on practical tools already in use, emerging technologies, and the role of partnerships in expanding access, skills development and inclusion.
Dumisani Chauke, representing the EPWP at the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), emphasised that innovation in social service delivery must remain firmly anchored in employment creation and meaningful youth participation in the digital economy.
He highlighted the importance of leveraging existing social programmes within the Department of Social Development (DSD) and across government to upskill young people through digitalisation initiatives. Access to coding, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies was identified as critical in preparing youth to participate in a rapidly evolving labour market.
Mr Chauke stressed that while many digital tools already exist, access without exposure and structured support limits their potential impact. Innovation, he noted, lies in ensuring that communities — particularly young people — are not only aware of digital opportunities but are actively supported to engage with them. Emerging technologies, including agentic artificial intelligence, were highlighted as offering new possibilities for employment and service delivery, provided that government positions itself strategically within the digital landscape.
Panellists further acknowledged that, while government has demonstrated strong policy intent around digital transformation, implementation challenges persist. There was a broad consensus that stronger partnerships with the private sector are essential to accelerate digitalisation within the public sector, including leveraging skills development initiatives and enterprise development funding to scale innovative solutions.
The discussion concluded with a shared understanding that effective communication, collaboration and intentional investment in digital skills remain central to strengthening EPWP social service delivery. Through increased digital exposure, strengthened partnerships and proactive resolution of implementation barriers, the Social Sector can play a pivotal role in securing the future of social services and empowering South Africa’s youth.
