Sowing the Groundwork for South Africa’s Digital Evolution

Huawei’s Seeds for the Future Programme and the Digital Skills Forum are working to close the digital gap in South Africa and equip its citizens with the skills needed to participate in the digital economy. The alliance with Huawei since 2016 has played an important role in advancing South Africa’s digital landscape. The development of ICT skills is crucial for economic growth and job creation, and the need for appropriate skills is growing at a swift pace in South Africa.

South Africa’s Digital Evolution

Huawei’s Seeds for the Future Programme and the Digital Skills Forum are part of South Africa’s plan to close the digital gap and equip all South Africans with the skills needed to participate in the digital economy’s opportunities. The development of ICT skills is crucial for economic growth and job creation in transition economies. The alliance with Huawei since 2016 has played a pivotal role in advancing South Africa’s digital landscape, offering various programs to support talent development and digital trade services.

The Genesis of Huawei’s Future Seeds Initiative

An extraordinary scene takes place in the energetic city of Johannesburg, Gauteng. Mr Philly Mapulane, the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, steps up to address an exclusive gathering. The event? The inauguration of the Huawei Seeds for the Future Programme.

Mapulane conveys his sincere thanks to those in attendance, such as the Deputy CEO of Huawei South Africa, Mr. Kian Chen, previous and incoming batches of Huawei Seeds scholars, distinguished guests, and the audience. His deep appreciation is evident, not just for the chance to be present at this significant inauguration, but also for Huawei’s sustained alliance with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, purposed at narrowing down the digital gap.

This event triggers memories of the triumphant National Digital and Future Skills Conference, held at East London ICC in the Eastern Cape merely a month ago. The conference was not only successful in its implementation, but it also shone due to the exceptional quality of speakers and the significant decisions made during the event.

Takeaways from the conference included the exploration of nascent technologies, best tactics, and the effect of digitalization on different industries. The promotion of inclusive digital education and diversity in the ICT sector was apparent. The commitment shown during the conference demonstrated that it served as more than a platform for dialogue; it was a potent catalyst for action. The knowledge acquired will aid in shaping our united digital future.

The Consequences of the Digital Age

One of the main decisions was to convene and launch the [Digital Skills Forum](https://capetown.today/deputy-minister-philly-mapulane-digital-and-future-skills-conference/) before the year ends. Chaired by the Minister, this forum serves as an accountability mechanism for all digital skills initiatives in the country. It reports to the Human Resource Development Committee, which centers around the comprehensive human capacity development in the country, chaired by the Deputy President.

The forum is anticipated to receive a report of the National digital and future skills conference, including the resolutions, by the end of the year. The Deputy Minister looks forward to Huawei’s involvement as a part of the industry players engaged in digital skills development. The need to ensure the perks of the digital age are available to all, irrespective of background or situation, is underscored.

The digital age requirement for individuals skilled in various digital fields is growing at a swift pace. The appropriate skills can unlock doors and career opportunities. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to skills development is necessary, which incorporates technical abilities like coding, data analysis, and cybersecurity, as well as soft skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability.

In the contemporary economy, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills are in high demand across most industries. The ICT sector enhances economic growth by widening the scope of technologies, facilitating interactions and productivity. Thus, possessing appropriate and relevant ICT skills is crucial for prospective growth potential and opportunities in transition economies.

Sadly, South Africa currently does not have enough digital skills to participate actively and compete in the modern economy. Access to higher education institutions remains a challenge for most South Africans. Therefore, an immediate national transformation is crucial to establish an education and skills development ecosystem that equips all South Africans with the skills needed to create and participate in the digital economy’s economic and social opportunities.

Envisioning a Digital South Africa

The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2022 and SME South Africa note that 45% of upcoming businesses have little to no new technology orientation and 50% consider technology access a challenge to growth and lack sufficient skills for use. By increasing the adoption of technology, entrepreneurs can enhance their contribution to economic growth by introducing innovative technologies, products, and services.

The alliance with Huawei since 2016 has played a pivotal role in advancing South Africa’s digital landscape. Back then, the world was on the verge of the 4th Industrial Revolution, with nations strategizing on how to cultivate digital skills necessary for the deployment of contemporary technologies like artificial intelligence, internet of things, cloud computing, big data, and 5G spectrum.

Now, these technologies have fully arrived. Various programs such as the 4IR talent development, Seeds for the Future, and the SMME digital skill transformation program, DCDT and Huawei have collaborated in ICT talent development. The latter has benefited over 300 individuals from various SMME companies.

In line with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies initiatives, a South African digital portal titled DigiTech has been launched. Its primary goal is to compile data for South African digital products and accelerate the use of digital platforms to support efforts to scale up digital trade services through transformative tech applications and E-commerce platforms.

As the Deputy Minister wraps up his speech, he shows his appreciation for Huawei’s contribution to digital skills development in the country. He expresses his thanks for their continued contribution to making South Africa a better place. He also commends the students who were selected for the Huawei Seeds for the Future Programme, urging them to showcase their talent and skills and build a legacy.

In the iconic words of Nelson Mandela, “Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that generation”. The digital future of South Africa truly rests in the hands of these young minds, who possess the potential to shape it.

1. What is Huawei’s Seeds for the Future Programme?

Huawei’s Seeds for the Future Programme is a talent development program aimed at educating and developing the skills of young people in South Africa in various digital fields, including coding, data analysis, and cybersecurity.

2. What is the Digital Skills Forum?

The Digital Skills Forum is a forum established by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies to serve as an accountability mechanism for all digital skills initiatives in South Africa. It reports to the Human Resource Development Committee.

3. What is the purpose of South Africa’s plan to close the digital gap?

The purpose of South Africa’s plan to close the digital gap is to equip all South Africans with the skills needed to participate in the digital economy’s opportunities and to promote economic growth and job creation in transition economies.

4. Why is possessing appropriate and relevant ICT skills crucial for prospective growth potential and opportunities in transition economies?

Possessing appropriate and relevant ICT skills is crucial for prospective growth potential and opportunities in transition economies because the ICT sector enhances economic growth by widening the scope of technologies, facilitating interactions, and productivity.

5. How has Huawei played a pivotal role in advancing South Africa’s digital landscape?

Huawei has played a pivotal role in advancing South Africa’s digital landscape through various programs aimed at supporting talent development and digital trade services, including the Seeds for the Future Programme, the 4IR talent development, and the SMME digital skill transformation program.

6. What is the purpose of DigiTech?

DigiTech is a South African digital portal launched to compile data for South African digital products and accelerate the use of digital platforms to support efforts to scale up digital trade services through transformative tech applications and E-commerce platforms.