The Information Technology Association has plans to change the image of the South African information, communications and technology (ICT) industry. Newly elected president Maroale Jacob Rachidi envisages an end to the days of fragmentation.
Rachidi believes it is the association`s responsibility to ensure a process of strategic but definite change, including the removal of barriers, improvement of benefits and access, and the facilitation of an end to divisions.
"I believe the association must, and will play an active role in helping to drive this process forward. The ICT sector has, for some time now, displayed a fragmented network of competing organisations and representative bodies. In the end, we experience a slowdown - a general dissatisfaction and frustration among those who are trying to contribute to the economy and society at large."
Rachidi wants to boost the image of the association as one that offers its membership substantial benefits. A core component of this is its efforts to establish firm lines of communication with government departments.
This is done through a strategy based on establishing channels of communication between the forums of government departments and active participation in projects and initiatives. He says the association has also kept abreast of developments within the industry`s skills development progamme ISETT SETA, and this has helped bring about potential involvement in ongoing projects such as the e-government gateway.
"The association will continue to represent the interests of the ICT industry both at provincial and national government level. We are actively working towards the establishment of more channels and it is our responsibility to ensure that issues of national concern are addressed. In short, we want to make sure that the concerns of our members are heard. That is why we feel that we are a unified voice acting on behalf of the industry."
However, Rachidi is well aware of the challenges that exist within the local industry. Issues such as skills development, employment equity, training, certification, new legislation and government initiatives all present a picture that is interwoven with challenge and opportunity for the association.
"The government has a few fresh initiatives on the table - we are talking about organised efforts such as the Nepad initiative, The Proudly South African Campaign and the new ECT legislation.
"Our vision is for a local ICT sector that speaks with one voice, with one vision and one heart. We will add vigour to these campaigns."
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