Following a recent agreement signed by the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Stella Sigcau and Siemens Communications, the Departments of Public Works and the Department of Communications will launch a project aimed at ensuring community participation in bridging South Africa's information and digital divide.
During the first phase of the project, ten students will be trained in information technology for a year at the Siemens Training Centre in Tshwane.
Addressing members of parliament during her recent budget speech, Minister Sigcau said that the students will be trained to build computers from used computers and in the use of related software packages.
Once the students have completed their one-year course, they will be deployed at municipalities and government departments around the country for practical training that will form part of an internship programme.
"The South African Local Government Association will be consulted to help this project by seconding some of the students who graduated from the training school and are currently employed by municipalities," she said.
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Siemens Communications is one of the largest players in the global telecommunications industry. Siemens is the only provider in the market that offers its customers a full-range portfolio, from devices for end users to complex network infrastructures for enterprises and carriers as well as related services. Siemens Communications is the world's innovation leader in convergent technologies, products and services for wireless, fixed and enterprise networks. It is the largest Group within Siemens and operates in more than 160 countries around the world. In fiscal 2003 (year-end September 30), its 60,000-strong workforce posted sales of about 17 billion euros.
For more information please visit Siemens Communications at www.siemens.com/communications
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