Adrian Schofield, industry stalwart and manager at the Applied Research Unit Joburg Centre for Software Engineering, has been awarded the EngineerIT/CSSA Distinguished Service in ICT Award 2012.
The award is given to an individual who must have been a member of the professional body of the Computer Society of SA (CSSA) for at least 10 years. In addition, they must have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the objectives of the CSSA.
Candidates have to have been both a role model and mentor, and must have shown dedication to the advancement of the ICT industry in SA. They are also recognised as having made an exceptional career-length contribution to the ICT industry.
"To say I was surprised to be given this award would be an understatement," comments Schofield. "After many years of serving the Computer Society, I know the standards that are expected of members who are considered for this honour.
"It was an extremely emotional moment to realise that my peers among the fellows and past presidents of the society believe I belong in this group."
He says the South African ICT industry has provided him with a means to earn his living in a stimulating, enjoyable and exciting environment.
"The very least I can do is to give back as much as I can to support the growth and development of the sector and the people in it. This award, and the Fellowship of the Computer Society that accompanies it, will be treasured by me and will encourage my further efforts to help out where I can."
Moira de Roche, VP of CSSA, said that when circulating his nomination to EngineerIT, the CSSA past presidents, and the CSSA executive council, Schofield received 100% unqualified and positive support from all of the respondents.
"The sheer breadth of the organisations to which he has contributed is a testament to his ability to contribute positively in so many different areas," she says. "His outwardly good-natured approach to getting things done is simply a cloak to his absolute underlying commitment to making sure that things do actually get done, in the most efficient and effective way possible.
"He is a true stalwart of the South African ICT industry and is fully deserving of the 2012 award for Distinguished Service in ICT, having made a genuine career-length contribution to both the CSSA and the world of ICT," she adds.
Schofield was born in the south of England, and began his career in the petroleum industry, later moving into casino administration. Since immigrating to Southern Africa, in 1981, he has worked in casino management, financial computer systems, payroll processing, software development and sales, recruitment and contracting of IT skills and technical training, before joining CompTIA in January 2000 as regional international sales and marketing director.
From 2003 to 2005, he consulted with the then ISETT SETA, SAP and City of Joburg/Wits University. He joined ForgeAhead in March 2005, where he was head of consulting until moving to his current position.
He is currently the immediate past president of the CSSA and is still a member of the executive council and board of directors. He is also vice-chairman of the Africa ICT Alliance.
Schofield has also served as president of the Information Technology Association of SA, as vice-chairman for Africa of the World Information Technology & Services Alliance, and chairman of the African Federation of ICT Associations.
He was a member of the steering committee and initial board member of ISETT SETA, chaired the initial IT Standards Generating Body, and was a member of the task team for the ICT Charter Working Group.
He is a co-author of the book entitled "Telecommunication Revolution in a Developmental State: South Africa Becomes an ICT Phenomenon", published by Raider Publishing International in 2011.
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