T-Systems set up an academy in South Africa to bridge the gap in IT skills and is working to find solutions to the education and employment challenges in rural areas.
Johannesburg, South Africa – Naledi Mokone finished her schooling in the small township of Vosloorus in Gauteng, but she didn’t know what her next step in life should be. She had worked hard to earn her matric certificate and was ambitious enough to dream of attending university. As it is with many South Africans, Naledi could go on to do great things, but she lacked the funds to further her studies at university.
She was stuck in a hard place unsure how to move forward, she faced unemployment head-on when an opportunity presented itself that would change the course of everything for her.
Naledi heard about the learnerships offered by global IT and consulting company, T-Systems. There was a call for matriculants to join their ICT Academy in Johannesburg. Feeling hopeful, she applied and was accepted.
The ICT Academy was created by T-Systems in answer to the IT skills gap in South Africa. They did so to empower young South Africans – especially young women – with excellent and relevant skills. These skills enable them to contribute to their communities, instead of suffering the humiliation of receiving hand-outs from them.
Students who graduate out of the academy are provided with the opportunity to further their careers, become part of the digital economy, and to make a difference to their country. Also, the ICT Academy offers an internationally recognised qualification, allowing students to write both national and international exams, further broadening their possibility for achievement.
The academy has shared some impressive statistics. More than 85% of the ICT Academy students are successfully being placed into jobs, and more than 50% of these students are young women, which is a phenomenal achievement. They are actively addressing unemployment in South Africa.
CEO of T-Systems South Africa Dineo Molefe believes that by economically empowering a woman, you’ve done ten times more, as the ripple effect it has is astounding.
T-Systems is also actively devoting their efforts to solving the education and employment challenges in South Africa’s rural areas, by providing a ground-breaking solution.
Typically, the youth leave their homes for the big cities in an attempt to access better education and find employment, which only adds to their financial burden and vulnerability. Through a partnership with the Good Work Foundation, T-Systems created a digital campus in rural Hazyview to ensure the digital campus has long term sustainability so that students can gain technical skills without having to leave their homes and support systems.
T-Systems set up the service desk in Hazyview to service its customers and create employment. The campus allows these students to enter into the digital economy while still living in their rural space. Thus enabling them to live with, and provide for, their families and communities.
Naledi’s story is all too familiar and similar to that of other young people in South Africa. Their talents and ambitions are frequently put on the back burner due to the lack of opportunities or funding. However, Dineo believes that the right type of decision-making, along with the right kind of leadership will ensure the sustainability of South Africa.
“Let’s give young people opportunities to make a difference in their country, and to explore opportunities for themselves.” – Dineo Molefe, CEO of T-Systems South Africa
As part of the #SAINC nation-building initiative, T-Systems is joining a network of purpose-driven brands to share stories of positive progress in South Africa. These stories are being featured across social media in small snippets, just like the one below, but you will also be able to watch the full-length features live on television. You will find the airing times below.
31st March – ETV Open News – 18:30
1st April – ETV Open News – 15:30
13th April – SABC 2 – 14:30
5th May – ETV – 12:00
Watch a snippet of the story below:
Good Things Guy has partnered with Regency Global and Official Brand South Africa to bring you stories of how corporates and individuals are helping build our incredible nation.This week we're taking a look at an incredible South African company that has invested in more local content than ever, creating jobs and inspiring future generations to explore film and television careers.It's people and organisations like this that help move us forward!#GoodThings#NationBuilding#SAINC
Posted by Good Things Guy on Thursday, 28 March 2019
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