Sihle Mavuso

The National Development Plan as envisaged by President Jacob Zuma’s cabinet is set to succeed if government partners with the private sector, says Cisco South Africa managing director Alpheus Mangale.

Mangale said the other advantage was that the plan included health and education which meant the country already had the infrastructure in place to roll out some of its intended development as planned.

Speaking to The New Age at the Cisco Expo 2013 South Africa which ended yesterday, Mangale said it was good that government was targeting even rural areas.

It was not feasible to invest in rural and sparsely populated areas.

“The advantage with our development plan is that we have included education and health in it. In this regard, information and communication technology has a big role to play,” said Mangale.

During the annual Cisco expo, companies in the information industry showcase their latest technology.

“The moment government puts up a communication network for a school or a clinic, about 70% of the people around the school or clinic will benefit thus improving broadband penetration.”

mavusos@thenewage.co.za