How do we ensure that small. How do we bridge the gap between our rural and urban areas, ensuring that computer literacy becomes part and parcel of the life of every South Africa. All these and other questions are raised in the discussion paper we are launching today. The discussion paper contains no solutions, no prescriptions. The South African government has come to recognise that we need to work towards a policy framework for electronic commerce.
Government has, therefore, put forward some preliminary views on the subject.
There is no doubt that our efforts to extend the global information infrastructure must go hand in hand with the development of effective public policy on a wide range of issues. We need, amongst other things, to create the necessary regulatory framework. We must promote socially and politically acceptable transformation towards a more information-based economy. We have allowed some time for discussion and policy development in this crucial area. After these discussions, a Green Paper will be prepared for further consultation.