[VIDEO]The Department of Communications` director-general Andile Ngcaba was recognised for a lifetime achievement at the African ICT Achievers awards held on Saturday.
The 2003 African ICT Achievers Awards were held in a cavernous banquet hall at the Sandton Convention Centre. The awards, established by Forge Ahead and the Department of Communications and sponsored by Dimension Data, recognise excellence in black ICT professionals who have made a significant contribution to the industry.
Ngcaba received the lifetime achievement award amid thunderous applause and ululation. His work with the convergence bill and active involvement in the ICT sector earned him this recognition.
"It took me by surprise," Ngcaba said. "When I come here, I always think I want to make this function successful for other people. I never thought I would win an award. It`s about contributing to other people`s lives, it`s bringing young people into this industry and helping them to better understand."
Miriam Zwane, co-owner and director of Praxis Computing, was awarded Top Black Woman in the ICT Sector, for her work of stimulating development in disadvantaged communities.
Top Individual in the ICT Sector was awarded to Sizwe Nxasana, CEO of Telkom SA and responsible for leading his company towards its vision of becoming a "world-class integrated communications group".
The E-Government Award went to the City of Cape Town: IT Services as one of the largest local government initiatives in the world with an implemented Smart City strategy.
Ken Jarvis, SARS CIO, was recognised for his transformation of the department`s ICT division with the GITO Council Award for Public Sector CIO of the Year.
The Top ICT Educator of the Year award went to Tuduetso Setshedi, head of the computer literacy department at Modiselle Primary School in the North West Province.
[VIDEO]Mandla Njokwane, a street child who now mentors others at the Youth Development Trust, achieved the Youth Innovation Award. The trust also received the Civil Society Award for Bridging the Digital Divide for its work in developing and building strategic alliances in the youth sector.
"I think that in many categories we would be considered to be a relatively small organisation, and our budget is not that huge," said Raashida Khan, project manager at the Johannesburg Computer Club House. "I think we are thrilled to be recognised as a leader."
[VIDEO]Torque-IT received the award for the Creative Use of IT in Education. The company was formed to address technology skills gaps and to contribute to workforce development through the delivery of career training, guidance, support and information.
Most Progressive Company in the ICT Sector went to Telkom SA for the progress it has made in black empowerment, employment equity and social development.
Motcom IT Services was declared Top Black ICT SME as a provider of IT support and maintenance, software development, research and development and Web development.
"It`s a great honour for a company all the way from Polokwane to come and receive this award," said Motcom`s financial director, Joas Legodi.
The Top Black Company in the ICT Sector was awarded to Lechabile IT Services as a provider of IT solutions and services with a focus on niche-industry segments through which it delivers integrated solutions.
[VIDEO]"It`s for the staff," said Winston Mosiako, MD of Lechabile IT Services. "Our guys are dedicated, we share the same vision. I think we all contributed to the success of the company, so I`m really excited about this."
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