The launch of SAVANT, a public-private partnership between Government and several key players in the South African technology industry, promises to accelerate development of the South African Information and Communication Technologies and Electronics (ICTE) sectors, while raising the international profile of this thriving industry.
Savvy South Africans to be championed in international markets Johannesburg, 3 March 2003. The launch of SAVANT, a public-private partnership between Government and several key players in the South African technology industry, promises to accelerate development of the South African Information and Communication Technologies and Electronics (ICTE) sectors, while raising the international profile of this thriving industry.
SAVANT involves a coalition of industry leaders supported by government, represented by the Department of Trade & Industry (the dti) and the ICT Development Council. It is the country's first marketing and branding campaign for the ICTE sectors.
The multi-level project is an ongoing initiative beginning with the establishment of an effective web presence, which is to be complemented by extensive promotion material, advertisements and projects both locally and abroad.
"The establishment of strong, vibrant and thriving ICTE sectors is fundamental to South Africa's growth and development," says Mr Alec Erwin, Minister of Trade and Industry.
Minister Erwin explains that the objective of the ICT Development Council is to ensure that SA is positioned as a leader in these sectors while developing best of breed skills and leading edge innovation locally. "SAVANT's primary goals are to create export opportunities and promote foreign and local investment," he adds.
SAVANT intends to alert prospective partners, both at home and abroad, that the local technology industry can compete with the best the world has to offer. "SAVANT will be to the ICTE industry what SA Tourism has become for the travel and tourism industry," says Minister Erwin.
"South Africans are known for their ability to apply innovation. The use of common sense or 'savvy' is an integral part of South African existence and it is in this spirit and through this reference that the name SAVANT originated," says Minister Erwin, noting too that the word 'SAVANT' is used to refer to a learned individual.
Initially, the SAVANT initiative has identified six crucial areas where it believes South Africa has a distinct competitive advantage and through which it will channel the plan. These areas are IT Training & Certification, Call Centres, Wireless Development, Pilot Lab, Niche Software Development and Infrastructure Development.
"These specialised markets will together form the basis of our extensive plan to promote and drive home the benefits associated with South African product development, infrastructure and intellectual capital. Besides the inherent valuable exposure associated with this project, there are a host of obvious business benefits and opportunities for partners as they expose themselves to international trade," says Minister Erwin.
Prominent companies from the South African ICTE industry that have contributed to SAVANT include MTN, MGX, CS Holdings, Comparex Africa, Nedcor, Dimension Data, Absa, Information Industry SA, the SA Electro Technical Export Council (SAEEC), The International Marketing Council of South Africa (IMC), Proudly South African, and Telkom.
"Without the support and buy-in of those willing to make an investment, the SAVANT initiative would not be possible. These companies are facing up to a deeper challenge within this whole process. By their very natures, ICT and electronics comprise diverse elements, and through SAVANT these companies are demonstrating their commitment to establishing a united front," states Minister Erwin.
"This project calls for the participation of many players - businesses that cover almost every facet of the sector in which they are competing. SAVANT offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate the power behind corporate South Africa and the healthy level of competition and co-operation that exists. I urge you to become actively involved in this very important initiative and help place South Africa on the global map," he concludes.
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