GovTech 2025: SITA unveils new digital projects to transform public services

The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) is looking to launch two flagship projects at the GovTech 2025 Conference.

The projects represent the future of digital government: the Super Citizen App and Supply Chain Management Automation.

The conference is being held under the theme: “One Data, One Citizen, One Service Delivery Journey – Digital Transformation”.

SITA Acting Managing Director Gopal Reddy announced at the GovTech 2025 Conference, which started on Monday and ends on Wednesday. 

Citizen Super App

Reddy said the app is a game-changer for digital government services. 

He said the super app is a single, secure platform that allows citizens to: 

• Access government services seamlessly. 
• Track applications and service requests. 
• Receive real-time updates and notifications. 
• Engage with departments through self-service tools. 

Reddy said that, additionally, the app is a digital public infrastructure enabler. It integrates:

• Data exchange across departments. 
• Digital identity verification. 
• Digital payments for services. 
• Secure, interoperable systems that support One Citizen, One Journey. 

“This is a Proof of Concept, and we are inviting government departments to co-create with SITA – to build a platform that truly serves South African citizens,” Reddy said. 

A video played during Reddy’s address revealed that the app empowers South Africa’s digital transformation. It covers digital identity, digital services, digital payment, and data exchange. 

Digital ID can complete identity authentication safely, conveniently, and efficiently, to support online services.

For instance, when registering an account, user identity is verified via Home Affairs, and phone number verified via SMS from the mobile service provider to ensure real name authentication. One ID allows access to all government services without repeated logins. 

Citizens can use electronic certificates and licences through face recognition and QR codes instead of paper certificates. 

With the app, digital services are easy to find, easy to apply, easy to approve, and easy to roll out. The clear layout and user-friendly interface in the PC portal and mobile application allow simple and effective use.

Citizens can apply for birth certificates, older persons’ grants, police clearance certificates, eMatric services, and other services on the app. 

Citizens can also quickly get accurate answers when chatting with the AI chatbot. 

When applying for a public service online, the system will dynamically customise the application form and materials. Automatic filling of form data for service applications reduces manual entry fields by 80%, providing a more convenient service experience. Sixty percent of supporting documents can be automatically associated without a manual upload. 

AI checks uploaded documents for consistency, assisting approval staff, and improving approval efficiency. 

Digital payment provides a one-stop payment platform for residents to easily manage funds, experience portability, and solve the problem of difficult payment. 

Data governance ensures the availability, usability, high-quality, and security of data essential in the provision of government services. 

Supply Chain Management Automation

Reddy said this project represents a significant stride towards revolutionising procurement within SITA, specifically concerning ICT products, services, and solutions – a function that is both complex and vital.

“SITA has been challenged with delays due to outdated procurement policies, manual processes, skills, and capacity, hindering service delivery,” explained Reddy. 

He said the automation initiative responds to address this, focusing on more than just technology that is designed to:

• Accelerate procurement cycles – reducing turnaround times.  
• Enhance transparency and compliance – with built-in audit trails and real-time reporting. 
• Enable data-driven decision-making – through intelligent dashboards and predictive analytics. 
• Improve supplier engagement – with streamlined onboarding and digital communication. 

“This is not just a system upgrade – it’s a delivery accelerator through a full procurement reform. It’s not going to happen overnight, but we are moving swiftly, which will be showcased at the SITA stand. It’s about building trust, improving efficiency, and ensuring that public resources are used optimally and responsibly,” Reddy said. 

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