Portia Matsena has been appointed chief digital officer at the State Information Technology Agency, known as Sita. The agency plays a central role in moving South Africa’s public services online.
Matsena brings more than 20 years of experience in technology and executive leadership. She takes up the post as government faces pressure to replace old computer systems and offer reliable digital services to citizens.
“Throughout my career, technology had to serve a purpose greater than building systems,” she told CIO South Africa. “It must improve lives, create opportunities and address real societal challenges.”
According to CIO South Africa, the job goes beyond putting new technology in place. It also covers how public services are planned, delivered and used by the people who need them.
Matsena said the public sector carries a special duty because citizens cannot simply switch to another supplier.
“The citizen is not simply a customer who can choose another provider,” she said. “Citizens depend on government services for their livelihoods, dignity and fundamental rights.”
She said the size of the task was what drew her to the agency. “What attracted me was the magnitude of the responsibility,” she said. “Sita occupies a critical position in South Africa’s digital transformation journey.”
Her priorities include updating government systems and helping different systems work together. She also plans to support the careful and responsible use of artificial intelligence in government.
CIO South Africa reported that she wants to keep access, trust and the needs of citizens at the centre of this work. Her view is that technology should make sure no one is left out.
Other challenges facing government include stronger cybersecurity and better links between systems used by different departments, the publication said.
Matsena also spoke about the culture inside the organisation and the value of shared leadership. “I intend to approach this chapter with humility and a willingness to learn,” she said.
She said she wants a workplace where staff can question ideas in a helpful way, work together openly and take responsibility for results.
Her career covers both private companies and public bodies. She was divisional executive of hyper-automation at Nedbank and managing director for cash management at Absa.
She also served as chief information officer at BankservAfrica and as acting group chief information officer at the South African Post Office.
Matsena holds a master of business administration from the University of South Africa. She also has a master of commerce from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
According to CIO South Africa, her focus in the new role is to help Sita build a digital government that works better for the people it serves.
Source: this article is based on reporting by CIO South Africa. Image: CIO South Africa. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Technology desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Werner Jacobs covers technology for Tzaneen Voice. Werner reports on mobile networks, data prices, internet access, smartphones, apps, AI, cybersecurity and South African tech companies. Each story explains what a new product, price change or policy means for ordinary users in South Africa.