GovTech 2026: SA marks 20 years, pushes digital sovereignty in Durban [VIDEO]

South Africa will commemorate the 20th anniversary of digital transformation at this month's Government Technology Conference (GovTech 2026) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The State Information Technology Agency (Sita) and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) are co-hosting the event, which will bring together government, industry, academia, entrepreneurs, and citizens to define the country's digital future. GovTech has become a leading platform for innovation and dialogue in South Africa.

Sita spokesperson Tlangelani Manganyi emphasized that GovTech is not merely an ICT agenda but about constructing a connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered society. Over the past 20 years, significant progress has been made, but there remains work to ensure all citizens reap the benefits of digital transformation.

This year's theme, "Building Towards Digital Sovereignty: South Africa as Architect of its Digital Destiny for Citizens," emphasizes the nation's efforts to enhance its digital future. Digital sovereignty involves enhancing the ability to make strategic technology decisions for the nation's benefit. It entails promoting innovation, cultivating local skills, supporting indigenous solutions, and establishing reliable partnerships that advance South Africa's digital transformation goals.

GovTech 2026 will demonstrate how technology can revolutionize various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, and small businesses. Manganyi stated, "Technology is reshaping how we live and work. GovTech is about ensuring that transformation is inclusive, leaving no community behind, and turning digital tools into catalysts for opportunity and growth."

Universal access to secure connectivity will be a primary focus, as citizens in rural or underserved areas must be connected to participate in the digital economy. Connectivity is the foundation of engaging in the digital economy, according to Manganyi.

Achieving sovereign digital transformation will demand collaboration across government, industry, academia, and civil society. Manganyi reiterated that this is a collective endeavor, and success will be achieved together. GovTech 2026 will be hosted by the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) from September 21-23, 2026, with both in-person and virtual participation.

The conference encourages broad engagement, inviting industry leaders, innovators, students, and citizens to register and participate. GovTech serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action, collectively shaping South Africa's digital destiny in a competitive global digital economy.