Gauteng MEC for e-Government Bonginkosi Dhlamini has committed the provincial department to urgently improving digital infrastructure and connectivity in Evaton following an oversight visit to several Gauteng Provincial Network (GPN) sites.
The visit, conducted on Wednesday, 29 July, formed part of the Gauteng Government’s #ImbizoWednesdays programme, which allows Members of the Executive Council (MECs) to engage with communities while monitoring the delivery of government services.
Accompanied by Head of Department Masabata Ngcobo, Dhlamini visited Levai Mbatha Community Health Centre, Evaton Library and Jordan Secondary School to assess the condition of digital infrastructure and identify solutions to connectivity challenges affecting service delivery.
At Levai Mbatha Community Health Centre, the MEC found that unreliable network connectivity continues to disrupt critical healthcare systems used for patient registration, accessing medical records, laboratory results and pharmacy services. Staff are often forced to revert to manual processes, causing delays in patient care.
To address the problem, the Department of e-Government will immediately deploy an applications support team to investigate system-related issues, stabilise the Gauteng Provincial Network and expand Wi-Fi coverage throughout the health facility, including newly renovated sections. The department will also assess the feasibility of introducing public Wi-Fi for patients and visitors.
The visit also highlighted security concerns after management reported that several CCTV cameras at the clinic were not functioning. The department said it would engage relevant stakeholders, including the Department of Community Safety and partner VumaCam, to explore ways of restoring surveillance infrastructure and improving security for staff and patients.
In addition, the department confirmed that the Employee Self-Service (ESS) platform is ready for implementation at the facility. Staff have already been trained, with the system expected to go live on 1 August 2026.
At Evaton Library, the MEC assessed the ICT infrastructure that provides residents with free internet access, online learning opportunities, government services and employment platforms.
While internet connectivity is available, the department identified the need for additional computers to strengthen the library’s role as a community digital hub.
The final stop was Jordan Secondary School, where theft and vandalism have severely affected ICT infrastructure. Damaged electrical wiring has rendered several smart boards unusable, while parts of the school remain without Wi-Fi, limiting the effective use of digital learning technologies.
The department said it would work with relevant stakeholders to restore the damaged infrastructure and safeguard government investments in digital education.
Speaking after the visit, Dhlamini said reliable digital infrastructure is essential to improving public services across Gauteng.
“Our oversight visits are about more than identifying challenges; they are about ensuring that government acts swiftly to resolve them. Every clinic that loses connectivity, every school that cannot fully use digital learning tools, and every community facility without reliable technology affects the quality of services our people receive. We have identified practical interventions and will work with our partners to implement them as quickly as possible. Our commitment is to build a connected Gauteng where technology improves healthcare, education and access to government services for every resident,” he said.
The oversight programme concluded with the Gauteng Government’s weekly #ImbizoWednesdays community engagement, led by Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
Residents raised concerns about electricity supply, infrastructure vandalism, service delivery and community development, with government reaffirming its commitment to addressing these issues through coordinated action.
The Gauteng Department of e-Government said it will continue strengthening the Gauteng Provincial Network as part of its broader digital transformation programme aimed at improving connectivity, modernising ICT infrastructure and enhancing access to government services across the province.
