The Department of Communications (DOC) has set specific job creation targets for sub-sectors within the ICT industry, with expectations for 160 000 jobs from broadband infrastructure roll-out.
However, analysts have slammed the targets for being “optimistic and unrealistic”.
Deputy minister Obed Bapela announced the department has a preliminary outlook of the number of jobs that should come from each sub-sector.
Infrastructure development will see 7 880 jobs; broadband infrastructure 160 000 jobs; creative digital industries (content development) 8 580 jobs; set-top box manufacturing 24 300 jobs; and SMEs and co-operatives 42 790 jobs.
“It is envisaged that jobs in our sector will be created across the entire value chain of the ICT and postal sectors,” the DOC said.
The department recently signed a contract with industry players to commit to the creation of one million additional jobs in the ICT sector by 2020.
Wishful thinking
However, MD of World Wide Worx Arthur Goldstuck says job creation targets are never realistic unless they come with a clear, structured, measurable target that also sets out the steps to be taken and the entities that will be held accountable.
“As such, the figures appear to be a thumb suck. Even the president can't turn wishful thinking into reality.” He adds that most job creation targets are a matter of what the authorities would like to see and what sounds impressive.
“We have yet to see such targets paired with structured programmes. If the DOC can lay out such plans and programmes, the targets will be taken far more seriously. If they meet the target, I will personally visit the DOC offices with humble pie and eat it.”
Goldstuck says the first step in laying out such programmes is a clear assurance, message and structure to ensure that tenders for related projects go to the best candidates.
Strategy Worx MD Steven Ambrose says the figures appear optimistic, unless they include indirect employment.
“If they are direct employment then they do appear optimistic, and in most part temporary; for example, infrastructure projects historically employ large numbers at the beginning of the project, with the majority being unskilled labour, who then get laid off as the project proceeds.”
He adds that these types of jobs can't be attributed directly to the ICT sector and very little skills get transferred.
“The set-top box number also appears optimistic. Once again it also depends if distribution and installation are included in the number. If so, perhaps they are accurate. Again, however, a good portion, perhaps 60%, will be temporary [and] as the roll-out concludes they will have to find other employment as these boxes should require little maintenance.”
Integrated strategy
The DOC hosted a roundtable discussion with ICT SMEs on Friday to discuss a job creation strategy.
It hosted the discussion with second and third tier ICT companies in SA. This meeting followed the department's recent summit with the top 30 ICT companies in SA.
The DOC said the purpose of this roundtable discussion was to develop an integrated strategy to forge government-industry partnerships in the creation of jobs.
“This initiative forms part of the overall efforts to mobilise the private sector, academia, civil society organisations and labour.”
The department said about 150 business organisations attended the discussion and the focus was on the identification of opportunities in the ICT sector, and to forge a closer working relationship with government.
Flagship solutions
“The country is currently faced with a double-digit unemployment rate, including many South Africans who have given up looking for jobs,” said Bapela.
He added that a complete human rights order cannot be spoken of until this plight has been attended to.
The deputy minister said certain flagship projects should help SA resolve the current high unemployment rate.
These included e-skills development, digital migration, rural development and broadband roll-out.
Ensuring sustainability
“I am indeed mindful that your own ability to contribute to job creation will also depend on the creation of a stable policy and regulatory paradigm, which is the responsibility of the department and the regulator, ICASA,” said Bapela, addressing the roundtable.
In this regard, he said certain activities will be undertaken to create an enabling environment for sustainable job creation.
This includes the finalisation of the licensing of high-demand spectrum in the 2.6Ghz and 3.5GHz bands; mandating ICASA to commence work on the digital dividend review, looking at the needs of all broadcasting and electronic communications services; reviewing the current funding model of ICASA; developing the National Broadband Plan; commencement of the manufacturing of set-top boxes as soon as the standard is gazetted by the SABS; and fast-tracking the incubation of the ICT e-Skills Institute.
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