The world's foremost alliance of national information and communication technology (ICT) industry associations is rolling into Johannesburg over the last weekend of October. That's because the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) is conducting its board meeting in this country, hosted by the South African Information Technology Association (ITA).
WITSA is an alliance of the national ICT industry associations of 77 countries. The body is dedicated to advocating policies that advance industry growth and development, facilitating international trade and investment in ICT products and services and strengthening the capacity of its member associations.
The body hosts the World Congress on Information Technology, an event which takes place every two years and which attracts global participation from IT industry heavyweights. The Congress last took place in Amsterdam this May.
ITA representative on the WITSA Board of Directors Roger Latchman reveals that Eskom, Dimension Data, and Gauteng Tourism Authority have pledged their support to ensure the success of the 2010 WITSA board meeting. He notes that delegates are expected from over 70 countries around the world. These delegates are all senior officials in their national industry associations and many also hold executive posts within the industry.
“It is an honour and a privilege to host the delegates. On the back of a highly successful FIFA World Cup, the ITA is also taking the opportunity to share as much of what Johannesburg and its surrounds have to offer to further advance the message that we are a country which, despite the challenges we face, is alive with development and potential,” Latchman says.
He points to the 'Declaration of Amsterdam', which resulted from the most recent World Congress as an indication of the value of the work done by WITSA: “This declaration, subtitled 'The Digital Road to Recovery', spells out how ICT can and should be applied to stimulate economic growth and address key societal challenges such as climate change, healthcare and quality of life. The Declaration provides strong support for the development of ICT as a crucial factor on the path to global economic recovery.”
In addition to the World Congress, WITSA hosts Public Policy Conferences, offers Global IT Excellence Awards and publishes reports, newsletters and other papers, Latchman notes. “The continued success of the World Congresses is a clear indication that companies, governments, provinces and municipalities see the value that a major WITSA event brings.
ITA President Sunil Geness explains that the ITA, the South African national body member of WITSA, was founded in 1934 and merged with the IT Users Council in mid-2000 to form the official trade and employer body of the Information Technology Industry in South Africa. The organisation represents more than 200 companies concerned with the supply of information technology equipment, systems, software and services.
A packed programme for delegates includes a visit to the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in the Johannesburg City Centre, a tour of the Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng museum, and visits to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, in addition to business meetings taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre.
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