By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Microsoft South Africa CEO
Vukani Mngxati has highlighted digital sovereignty as a defining theme at
GovTech 2026, stressing that sovereignty extends beyond infrastructure to
include how data is accessed, protected and used.
Mngxati reflected on three
days of GovTech 2026 engagements, thanking SITA SOC and the organisers, as well
as the Microsoft South Africa team, for their preparation and participation
throughout the event.
Digital sovereignty featured
prominently in Mngxati’s engagements, including a joint appearance with SITA
Managing Director Magatho Mello and a keynote address delivered at Microsoft’s
Sovereignty Breakfast.
According to Mngxati, the
discussions reinforced the view that digital sovereignty is about more than
infrastructure. He said it also concerns data, including who can access it, how
it is protected and how it can be used.
He said the issue is also
fundamentally about building systems that understand and serve people
effectively.
The theme carried through
three days of conversations involving government, partners and customers, with
discussions focused on translating digital ambitions into practical action.
Mngxati said the decisions
being made now could shape South Africa’s digital future for generations,
adding that the country is laying the foundations for that future.
He said the next step is to
build on those foundations as South Africa continues to develop its digital
capabilities and approach to digital sovereignty.
