The Call for a National ICT Strategy ForgeAhead’s research into the status and use of ICTs in National, Provincial and Local Governments, over the last few years, reflects the growing recognition that South Africa needs a National ICT Strategy that will address the development of the entire sector, not just the application of technology within government.  This need was also documented in a report that ForgeAhead produced for NEDLAC in 2004, which proposed the creation of a National ICT Council and the call was echoed at the Futurex 2006 Conference, as well as at ForgeAhead’s International ICT in Government Summit  which took place in May this year. Adrian Schofield, Head of Consulting at ForgeAhead comments “The key issue is the fragmented approach to ICT by both the public and private sector.  Although ICT is universally recognised as the enabler of increased growth in the economy and improved efficiency in service delivery, its potential contribution to South Africa's future is being stifled by a lack of coordination and a dilution of resources.  There are too many "associations" representing niche sections of the business and individual interests.  This leads to weak and unbalanced opinions being heard (if at all) and a significant loss of potential support for new and growing participants in the sector.” ForgeAhead’s research concurs that, many departments in government are responsible for parts of the policy relating to, and the implementation of, ICTs but they, too, lack focus and coordination.  As the country's largest purchaser of technology and related services, government must not overlook the needs of the ICT sector as a contributor to the broader economy and its vital part in the development of a globally competitive, knowledge-based society.  To achieve this goal, ForgeAhead’s research findings show the demand for a National ICT Strategy to be compiled and tabled as soon as possible.  Such a strategy should then be championed by strong leadership from government and from the private sector.