North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi says the province has switched to a new digital system to overhaul how government works, marking what he describes as a shift away from paper-based administration to automated processes across departments.
Mokgosi told Sunday World this week that the province has moved into a new phase of its digital transformation programme, with core systems now operational across government.
“From 1 April 2026, key systems would transition into operation. Today, we can confirm that this commitment has been delivered,” Mokgosi said.
The roll-out of the SmartGov platform has been introduced as a single system to manage all administrative and procurement processes.
Mokgosi said the system replaces fragmented and manual processes with a “standardised, integrated and automated administrative environment”.
The platform will handle functions such as internal approvals, procurement workflows, and contract management to improve turnaround times and strengthen oversight.
Government departments are currently undergoing training and onboarding, with manual processes expected to be phased out once the system is fully implemented.
Mokgosi said the new system would allow the provincial government to track performance in real time, giving officials access to live data across departments, municipalities and state entities.
“This will enable continuous monitoring of strategic projects… and improved coordination of interventions where required,” he said.
The digital overhaul also includes a broader upgrade of the province’s technology infrastructure. Government systems have been migrated to Microsoft 365, while back-end infrastructure has been moved to the Azure cloud platform.
Mokgosi said this shift would create a “secure and future-ready digital environment” and improve how public servants work.
“We are no longer operating on legacy systems – we are now operating on a modern digital foundation built for the future,” he said.
The province has also introduced new cybersecurity measures to protect government data and systems against digital threats.
Beyond internal systems, the next phase of the programme will focus on expanding broadband access across the province, targeting schools, healthcare facilities and public service centres.
Mokgosi said a broadband roll-out would form part of a wider plan to build a “smart province”.
The digital programme is being implemented through partnerships with Microsoft South Africa and technology firm Boxfusion, with additional support aimed at developing digital skills and creating opportunities for small businesses.
“This is not just a system going live – it is a transition towards a new way of working in government. We are not only envisioning a digital future; we are actively building it,” Mokgosi said.
- North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi announced the province’s transition to a new digital system.
- The move aims to overhaul government operations by replacing paper-based administration.
- Automated processes will now be implemented across various government departments.
- The shift is intended to enhance efficiency and modernize public sector management.
- Full details of the story are available in the e-edition of Sunday World.
Mokgosi told
“From 1 April 2026, key systems would transition into operation. Today, we can confirm that this commitment has been delivered,” Mokgosi said.
Mokgosi said the system replaces fragmented and manual processes with a “standardised, integrated and automated administrative environment”.
Government departments are currently undergoing training and onboarding, with manual processes expected to be phased out once the system is fully implemented.
Mokgosi said the new system would allow the provincial government to track performance in real time, giving officials access to live data across departments, municipalities and state entities.
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Mokgosi said this shift would create a “secure and future-ready digital environment” and improve how public servants work.
“We are no longer operating on legacy systems – we are now operating on a modern digital foundation built for the future,” he said.
Mokgosi said a broadband roll-out would form part of a wider plan to build a “smart province”.
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