Government launches MzansiXchange to improve evidence-based policy

Government launches MzansiXchange to improve evidence-based policy Government has taken a significant step towards transforming the management of its data through the launch of the MzansiXchange - an initiative that will enable evidence-based policymaking and real-time data verification between departments. The pioneering data exchange initiative is led by the National Treasury that seeks to address the data landscape, which has been characterised by fragmentation, siloed systems, and limited interoperability. “These challenges have constrained our ability to make evidence-based decisions, deliver integrated services, allocate resources efficiently, and build public trust in government systems. MzansiXchange addresses these gaps by enabling secure, structured, and coordinated data sharing across government,” National Treasury Director-General (DG), Dr Duncan Pieterse said on Thursday. The launch of South Africa’s Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of Government in May 2025, paved the way for this initiative. The roadmap forms part of Operation Vulindlela Phase II, a joint National Treasury and Presidency initiative. It provides the strategic direction for government to modernise services, break down data silos, and build the digital public infrastructure (DPI) required for inclusive growth. The roadmap has four key pillars: Data Exchange, Digital Identity, Digital Payments and Digital Services. “MzansiXchange is not a central data repository. It does not store any data. Instead, it acts as a secure bridge – a structured and governed exchange that allows departments to retain ownership of their data, while sharing their data with other authorised entities, when needed. “This approach balances departmental data sovereignty with secure, cross-government data sharing through a structured and governed framework,” Pieterse said Addressing the launch of the MzansiXchange Pilot Launch in Pretoria, the DG said the prototype has been built with X-road as the foundational technology for the MzansiXchange, supporting flexible mechanisms and enhancing resilience with robust design, ensuring standards harmonisation, digital inclusion and long-term sustainability. MzansiXchange will have governance frameworks, standardised data protocols and will set clear expectations for metadata standards, data quality, and interoperability. It will provide standardised legal instruments – such as Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) or Service Level Agreements (SLAs) – to guide secure and compliant data sharing. The initiative will provide four distinct data access components, each designed to meet the needs of different users. The first pillar is data sharing for regulation, compliance, and verification. “This provides authorised public entities with real-time access to identifiable data for verification and compliance purposes. For instance, the data exchange can be used to securely verify key information when enrolling citizens into public programmes or grants – helping ensure accuracy while simplifying the process for applicants,” Pieterse said. The second pillar is data sharing for evidence-based policy, planning, and research. “MzansiXchange enables bulk sharing and integration of de-identified data from government institutions to a secure data facility. For example, de-identified administrative data – such as education outcomes, tax records, or social protection information – can be securely shared with a secure data facility,” he said. This enables researchers and policymakers to generate insights that support more targeted, evidence-based decision-making and planning. The third pillar is data sharing for operational analytics. This facilitates bulk transfers of both de-identified and identifiable data between public sector institutions to support service delivery and the fulfilment of operational mandates. “For example, MzansiXchange can support the bulk sharing of financial and procurement data between public sector institutions – helping improve coordination and strengthening planning and oversight. Finally, the fourth pillar is open access data sharing. “It enables users to explore data catalogues, dashboards, data stories, download aggregated datasets and view metadata through secure protocols. For example, the spatialised tax data housed within the National Treasury Secure Data Facility, local data and other insights will be shared via MzansiXchange,” the DG said. This one-year pilot will test the MzansiXchange in real-world conditions, strengthening the foundations for a broader national rollout. “MzansiXchange is a national commitment to harnessing data for the public good. It is a platform for collaboration, innovation, and transformation. The success of MzansiXchange depends on how each of us commits to supporting and using it. Ensuring that all departments work towards integrating and being able to fully leverage the potential of the MzansiXchange,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za nosihle Fri, 10/10/2025 - 10:20 17 views

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