Mbabane – Civil society and business leaders have urged the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) to intensify awareness campaigns on the Government in Your Hand platform, emphasising that more Emaswati still need to be educated about it.
Speaking during the Government In Your Hand and AI Seminar at the International Trade and Exhibition Fair, Cordinating Assembly of Non Govenmental Organisations (CANGO’s) Bhekani Dlamini called on the ministry to intensify its rollout strategy.
“Many Emaswati have a phobia when it comes to technology as they are accustomed to doing things the traditional way. Education and awareness will be key to building trust in the system,” Dlamini said.
He further urged both government and users to adopt the platform responsibly, stressing that authorities should maintain constant consultation with people on the ground to assess satisfaction levels and identify areas for improvement.
His views were supported by Nokuthula Hlophe from the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), who noted that the regulator is working closely with NGOs to reach communities directly.
“NGOs are best placed to understand the everyday Liswati, and by working with them we can ensure that the platform responds to people’s real needs,” Hlophe explained.
Entrepreneurs were also encouraged to embrace the new digital service. Celumusa Thusi, founder and director of HopeMat and a board member at the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP), said the platform was designed with the end user in mind.
“For businesspeople, time is a vital resource. Government in Your Hand reduces the hours spent queuing for services and allows entrepreneurs to focus on running and growing their businesses,” Thusi said.
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