Chamisa speech on World Telecoms Day

By Nelson Chamisa | ICT Minister |

On the 17th of May 2013, Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in commemorating the world telecommunications and information society day.

The occasion is celebrated each year to mark the anniversary of the signature of the 1st international Telegraph convention in 1865 which led to the creation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The theme for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2013 is “ICTs and improving road safety”.

ICTs play a catalytic role in creating opportunities for people in every walk of life. Today, even as we take to the streets in our vehicles, we have the tools at our fingertips to communicate across the world, navigate through dense traffic and find our way in unfamiliar terrain.

At the same time we can choose from a host of entertainment options, be it music, radio, television or social media.

While these technologies are becoming increasingly ubiquitous, we must ensure that we use them responsibly and with caution, especially while driving, in order to avoid accidents and injury.

Road traffic safety is a global concern for public health and injury prevention. In developing countries around the world, 1.3 million people die in traffic related accidents and another 20-50 million people are injured mainly in developing countries around the world.

As a result, Governments and individuals suffer an estimated USD 518 billion in global economic loss.

Driver distraction and road-user behaviour, such as “text messages” and interfacing with in-vehicle navigation or communication systems while driving, are among the leading contributors to road traffic fatalities and injuries.

The message is clear: Don’t be distracted by technology when driving, whether calling from your mobile phone, or setting the navigation system. Sending a text message or tweeting while driving is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all cost.

I am pleased to say that the Zimbabwean government has put in place a policy mix and measures to increase and encourage ICTs uptake. A special tribute goes to the sector players who have geared up their operations and solutions to promote the use of safe interfaces and hands free devices in vehicles, taking action to eliminate technology related distractions while driving.

As the ministry embarks on pushing through National ICT Policy for adoption, it has become imperative that it incorporates some aspects that encourage the use of ICT in enhancing road safety as well as promoting the development and use of intelligent transport systems.

The National ICT Policy will support the developmental path for the benefits of the greater number of Zimbabweans, especially the historical disadvantaged and those in the rural areas.

The ministry of ICT has and is still consulting widely and has held workshops in every province. We have gathered content and drafted a discussion document/ the draft National ICT document which is currently being reviewed.

Progress Achieved so far: 

1. ELearning

The ministry has distributed computers to hundreds of schools across the country. The project aims to ensure that ICT literacy and utilization is improved at school level. A computer lab will be set up at every school to ensure that every child will have access to a computer. The project will result in development of e-skills to both teachers and students and will facilitate inclusion of ICT curricular in education right from primary school level.

2. Community Information Centers

The ministry is developing pilot community information centers in Murombedzi, Mutoko, Mapisa, Mubaira, Dotito, Ngundu, Gokwe and Lupane. These projects are being rolled out in partnership with ZimPost. However, Infrastructure and financial challenges remain a reality which to an extend has slowed down progress.

3. Infrastructure Development

The government through telone has established an optic fiber link from Harare to Bulawayo. Currently, the Bulawayo to Victoria Falls and Bulawayo to Beitbridge leg is still outstanding. The ICT Sector in Zimbabwe is trying to put its best foot forward in promoting the use of ICTs at the forth coming UNWTO conference in Victoria Falls.

4. Mobile Penetration

Zimbabwe’s mobile penetration is now above 90% up from 85% in June 2012, altogether Zimbabwe’s tele-density has reached 100%. Zimbabwe mobile phone subscriber statistics and market share are as follows:

· Econet : 64% (3rd quarter 2012)

· Telecel : 20% (3rd quarter 2012)

· Netone : 16% (3rd quarter 2012)

I urge you to celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day this year by paying particular attention to improving road safety by harnessing the power of ICTs.

Don’t tweet and drive, Don’t whatsApp and drive.

Let us use our ICTs to promote road safety for ourselves and our loved ones.

God bless you, God Bless Zimbabwe!!!

Hon Nelson Chamisa, MP, Minister of ICT.