GijimaAST Group (GijimaAst) announced that it has been awarded the contract for the implementation of the Department of Home Affairs' single citizen centric application, 'Who am I online (I am I said)'. This new system is focused around the population registration, administration and management of life-events within a South African citizen's life, integrating into the existing automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS). Furthermore, it paves the way for future smart chip-based technologies such as the electronic passport, smartcard ID, electronic health card, drivers licence etc.
As part of the implementation, GijimaAst together with its consortium members of various BEE companies will undertake a system renewal for the Department of Home Affairs. This will include a particular focus on key immigration systems such as visas, permits and movement control. Integral to this project is GijimaAst's ability to successfully implement, while delivering the necessary economies of scale to allow the flexibility to plan for future ICT initiatives for the Department. The implementation of the system is a prerequisite for the issuance of electronic passports and smart ID cards in the country and brings South Africa in line with the future technology trends adopted and implemented by various countries since 11 September, 2001.
"With both the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup coming to South Africa, it is estimated that over half a million people will enter the country for each of the events. This is over and above the normal flow of people to and from South Africa," notes Robert Matana Gumede, executive chairman of GijimaAst. "We are thrilled and humbled to be working with the Department of Home Affairs and State Information Technology Agency (SITA) to deliver a technologically advanced system that provides immigration officials, the SA Police Services, National Health and Emergency services, Transportation and Revenue services, to name just a few, with a single view of information for each and every person that enters and leaves the country. This will eradicate red tape (eg, manual processing) in the issuance of visas and other permits and is therefore a crucial component in the drive for organising the best FIFA World Cup ever held."
SITA embarked on a tender process in March 2006 where several local and international companies responded to the 'Who am I online (I am I said)' tender. In September 2006, after a gruelling transparent tender evaluation process and oral presentations by the shortlisted companies to the various Tender Committees, the SITA Tender Board - Supplier Selection Authority (Recommendation Committee) finally recommended GijimaAst as the successful bidder for the +R2 billion contract to the then director general (DG) of the Department of Home Affairs.
The final award was delayed for 12 months due to the departure of the ex DG and the chief information officer (CIO). Furthermore, minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula appointed a multiparty task team to review the department's IT projects and operations. The task team presented its report and recommendation to the Minister and Parliament, which led to the appointment by Cabinet of Mavuso Msimang as the new DG in May 2007.
After almost a year, the tender has now been awarded by the Department of Home Affairs through Msimang, who is charged with the responsibility to turn around the ailing department. Some of the companies that were vying for the tender are Didata/Ideco, Unisys, Business Connexion, Arivia.kom and others.
Mavuso Msimang, also known as 'Mr Turnaround' for his ability to transform and ensure that parastatals and departments become efficient and business-like with improved service delivery to the citizens, has since his appointment embarked on turning around the misfortunes of the embattled Department of Home Affairs. Just like in the SA Parks Board, SITA and now the Department of Home Affairs, he has his task cut out.
"We are excited to be working with GijimaAst to deliver 'Who am I online'. The Department of Home Affairs will play a critical role in the smooth running of the FIFA World Cup 2010 and we are working to a tough delivery schedule," comments Msimang. "It was essential for us to choose an ICT partner, not only with public sector expertise, but also with a proven track-record of successfully delivering projects on time and to budget. We are confident that with GijimaAst we will be ready to roll in plenty of time for 2010."
The multibillion rand project has been divided into two phases as the Department and SITA needed to accelerate its implementation, since it is already over 10 months behind schedule.
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