An electronic (‘e-’) government initiative addresses at least three major issues:

e-governance (G2G)

This means the application of ICT to intra-governmental operations, including the interaction between central, provincial and local government. This includes electronic messaging and reporting, electronic document management and archiving, integrated systems for finance, asset and human resource management (including training), as well as systems for real-time collaboration and project management, conferencing, decision support and executive information. The focus is on functionality, processes, attainment of goals, performance, coordination and quality of outcomes.

e-services (G2C)

This means the application of ICT to transform the delivery of public services from ‘standing in line’ to online: anytime, anywhere, by any means, and in interactive mode. The services affected include general information and regulations, education and culture, health consulting and telemedicine, benefits, taxation etc. The new delivery vehicles also offer the opportunity to let people participate in government, by collecting direct and immediate public input in respect of policy issues, specific projects, service delivery problems, cases of corruption etc.

e-Commerce (G2B)

This means the application of ICT to operations performed by government in the manner of business-to-business transactions and other contractual relations. An obvious example is the procurement of goods and services by government: e-procurement covers the steps from electronic tender to electronic payment. More cases become available for ICT application with the spread of outsourcing and the development of public-private partnerships.