Microsoft and the Ministry of Social Development have announced the creation of a R1.5 million fund that will help local government use technology to improve the delivery of services and to give unemployed youth relevant skills to enable them to become employable.
Making the announcement in Johannesburg today, Microsoft global legal counsel Brad Smith and Social Development Minister Bathabile Olive Dlamini said Microsoft would also be making a further grant of software valued at R1 million to NGOs involved in government's HIV/Aids programmes.
The software company will also support nine schools (one per province) identified by Deputy President Kgalema Mothlanthe with relevant technology and training of teachers so that the schools can integrate technology in their teaching and learning.
Speaking after the announcement in Sandton, Dlamini said government had identified technology as a key enabler of effective administration and service delivery, and helping disadvantaged schools improve educational outcomes.
“The demands of the information-based global economy mean that we in government require an advanced set of technology tools and skills,” said Dlamini. “This agreement will see unemployed young people receive skills and jobs, while at the same time boosting the service delivery capacity of local government.”
Smith said Microsoft was working closely with government to address key priorities like skills development, job creation and supporting local government.
“What we're announcing today is a major step towards an always-growing set of new technology solutions tailored to match the needs of local government and create much-needed skills at the same time. Importantly, this programme will change people's lives, while aligning directly with government's priorities,” said Smith.
“At Microsoft, we believe technology creates opportunity; it fosters economic opportunity and creates jobs; and also, perhaps most importantly, creates social opportunities with the application of technology to a range of social issues, including the support of non-profits, educational and humanitarian institutions, health, energy and even environmental sustainability initiatives.”
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