The Black Information Technology Forum - as the largest and most representative group of black ICT professionals, entrepreneurs and students in South Africa - is to host a one-day conference aimed at the economic empowerment of this sector. Entitled "Opportunities created by Government in the convergence market", the conference takes place at the Hyatt Hotel in Rosebank, Gauteng, on May 29 2001.
"This is the first time an event of this nature is being held under our auspices," says Forum CEO Darryl Dennis, "and is a milestone in our quest to build the black ICT sector into the force it should be. The topic was chosen because we believe that the convergence arena is where the greatest opportunities for empowerment lie.
"The conference is also a significant step the BITF is taking in heightening its profile. Our ultimate goal is to elevate the status of our members to the level where they reach parity with the `traditional` ICT sector in terms of professionalism and equitable participation in economic activity. In this way, we will ensure black business becomes a key stakeholder and participant in creating the information society in South Africa."
The event has been sponsored by Hewlett-Packard and SAP.
Speakers include:
Andile Nqcaba - Director-General, Department of Communications.
Robinson Ramaite - Director-General, Department of Public Services and Administration
Dr Eugene Mokeyane - Director, Department of Public Enterprises and IPO co-ordinator.
Mandla Langa - Chairman, ICASA.
Jos Nickmans - Jos Nickmans, Managing Director, Hewlett-Packard.
Livingstone Chilwane - Director, SAP Public Services.
Dr Hasmukh Gajjar and Zeth Malele - Black Information Technology Forum.
"There is an increasing blurring of the lines that mark the difference between technologies," maintains Zeth Malele, chairman of the Gauteng branch of BITF. "The convergence of technologies and applications is creating a host of opportunities for black economic empowerment, particularly with regard to the astonishing rate with which people are adopting the resultant technologies, products and services.
"The intention of this conference is to inform ICT companies to the steps Government is taking to facilitate convergence and to open their eyes to the real empowerment opportunities that can accrue from early involvement in the convergence trend.
"Attending the conference will help companies not only to identify the direction convergence is taking in terms of information and communications technology - whether it be mobile or fixed-wire, application or backbone infrastructure - it will also allow them to absorb the lessons learned by market leaders and plan properly for the future."
The conference starts at 8.30am and the cost per delegate is R900.00 excluding VAT. Enquiries and bookings can be made to kgabo@bmi-t.co.za.
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