About the Awards 2026
ABOUT SITA AWARDS
About the Digital Public Service Awards
The Digital Public Service Awards are presented each year at GovTech, South Africa’s principal government technology conference. They recognise the institutions, enterprises and individuals using technology to improve how the state serves the public.
The 2026 theme
GovTech 2026 is held under the theme Building Towards Digital Sovereignty, with the sub-theme South Africa as an Architect of its Digital Destiny for Citizens.
Digital sovereignty is the ability of a country to govern, secure and sustain the digital systems that carry public administration, economic participation and citizen services.
The 2026 award categories are built around that theme. Seven of the ten ask directly what the work has done for South Africa’s own capability. The remaining three ask what the work has done for reach, for inclusion, and for the people who come after.
Who the Awards are for
The Awards are open to national and provincial departments, municipalities, state-owned companies and public entities. They are open to the ICT industry, to licensed operators, to small enterprises and to startups. They are open to schools, colleges, universities and accredited training providers. They are open to individuals, including members of the public.
What is recognised
Work that is real and operating, rather than planned or announced. Work that changed something for somebody. And, in most categories, work that leaves capability in South African hands.