Date: 2022-09-19 16:04:06
EThekwini wins two SITA Digital Public Service Awards
EThekwini Municipality scooped two awards at the SITA Digital Public Service Awards for the data driven Strategic Hub that was launched on 7 September.
We are proud of Dr Sandile Mbatha, Senior Manager: City Research and Policy Advocacy for scooping the Overall Winner award in the Government Technology Leader category at the SITA Digital Public Service Awards on 13 September.
His team was also awarded second place in the Digital Governance Award category for their innovation on the Strategic Hub (Strat Hub).
The Hub is referred to as the ‘Single Source of Truth’ and contains a host of strategic tools such as dashboards, indexes and models aimed at enhancing insight-driven policy and strategic decision-making.
This is part of eThekwini’s journey of promoting a data-driven culture where decisions on policy, resource allocation, and operations are based on insight and not instinct. The Strategic Hub supports the centralisation of data as critical infrastructure for improving service delivery.
The Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda congratulated the team on their success, saying that this is shining example of the innovation and expertise that is contained in the public sector. “Our officials who have worked on the project are examples of what can be achieved when we work hard for the betterment of our communities. Their innovation and dedication need to be commended and we are extremely proud of their achievements in establishing this technological hub of information. It set us firmly on the path of becoming a digitised city.”
A humble Dr Mbatha attributed his success to his team.
“Receiving the Government Technology Leader Award would not have been possible without the support I receive from my family and colleagues. I am merely a reflection of the team and its ethics. I’m indebted to my colleagues who selflessly support my journey and believe in me,” he said.
Dr Mbatha’s passion, energy, and dedication for his work shines through as he explains the role they play.
“To work for the City, in a place you call home, is the greatest job in the world. This award validates how heavily invested I am in contributing towards making this City the best in the world. It is a massive encouragement to be acknowledged by the industry for work I have championed.”
He added: “This award reflects the spirit of teamwork and professionalism of a great group of people. I’m extremely proud of the support we have received and continue to receive from the City leadership over the years. As a collective, we are eternally grateful and proud to represent the residents of this fantastic Municipality.”
The ICT Public Service Awards aims to provide a platform to recognise excellence and acknowledge government institutions who have used technology to improve the lives of citizens. In so doing, the awards aim to promote successful solutions and the application of projects that contribute to improved service delivery. The awards focus on innovation, impact on society in general, public service transformation, and recognising product and services of all sizes and contribution.
