MTN was named SA`s top information and communications technology and electronics (ICTE) company for 2004 at the launch of the fourth edition of the top ICTE companies book this morning.
The annual awards are made on the strength of companies` management and social contribution, among other things.
The other companies in the top 10 this year are: Rectron, Softline, Telkom, Business Connexion, Microsoft, Vodacom, Internet Solutions, IBM and MWEB. Microsoft and Vodacom are the only two top 10 companies that retained a top 10 place from the 2003 edition, earning eighth and ninth position respectively.
Journalists, business people, academics and associations on the Corporate Research Foundation research team individually selected their top 30 companies. These selections were then assessed on a basis proposed by auditor Grant Thornton.
The selections were based on the quality of management, corporate strategy, human resources, social contribution and a company`s commitment to job creation and skills transfer, says Arthur Goldstuck, MD of World Wide Worx, who was part of the selection committee.
"The research team selected companies on merit and not on corporate contribution," says Goldstuck.
"Selected companies did pay a fee which went towards the research, production and marketing costs of the publication of the top ICTE companies book," he adds.
The research showed that the ICTE industry is enjoying a steady return to profitability.
"The research showed the extent of profitability in the ICT industry as profit levels have doubled over the last three years, while of the 37 listed ICTE companies, only three failed to make profits," says Goldstuck.
"This is indicative of a strong industry compared to a few years ago," he adds.
While Goldstuck spoke optimistically about the industry, Derek Hanekom, deputy minister of science and technology, spoke about the challenges facing the industry.
"The biggest challenge in the industry is transformation in the research department but it is pleasing to see that the imbalances are improving and changing every year," says Hanekom.
"We need to find ways of making the career more attractive and the link lies between commercialisation and research, with the vision to make the ICTE industry vibrant and fully inclusive."
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