Cluster development agency the Cape IT Initiative (CITI) has informed members its operations model is "not sustainable".
In an e-mail sent out near the end of last month, CITI executive director Viola Manuel said the board had decided to restructure the agency's operations. "While immediate and decisive action is needed, the board will be consulting key stakeholders, including CITI staff, to chart the most effective way forward," she said.
The e-mail goes on to say that, while the business model is reworked, the board will take measures to "streamline and rationalise" delivery on current projects, which include VeloCITI, MyMentor, My Business Group, Youth in IT and Women in IT.
"It is likely that certain currently funded projects, presently run by CITI, will be accommodated within the Bandwidth Barn organisational structure," Manuel noted. The Bandwidth Barn is a Cape-based ICT incubator and subsidiary of CITI.
While the e-mail does not detail where or how operations will be restructured, Manuel wrote that she believes the process would help CITI. "We believe that our efforts will be successful and trust that you will support us by providing honest and open comment where and when necessary."
The e-mail requests that members send concerns, suggestions or questions to the executive director and board members.
The letter goes on to say CITI has played a significant role in the development of the IT industry in the Western Cape, "and will continue to do so".
"This restructuring effort is born out of the board's desire to see CITI continue to build on its legacy of driving IT cluster development in the Western Cape."
CITI has taken part in Western Cape ICT business development since 1998 and has been involved in several projects, including Women in IT and Youth IT. Manuel was also named one of SA's Top 10 IT personalities last year, based on the development of CITI from a small NGO to a government-recognised organisation.
The agency's membership includes BulkSMS, Business Data Solutions and Connection Telecom. Last month, the initiative launched an interoperability laboratory, with software giant Microsoft, to assist small business developers grow business opportunities.
A member, who asked to remain anonymous, says the cluster agency has done some great work in the past. "Hopefully, they can pull it together. It is such a great initiative that I feel has yet to achieve its full potential."
Manuel is currently overseas and could not be reached for comment on CITI's actual situation. Board member Dave Gale was also unavailable at the time of publication.
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