The private sector`s attitude towards black-led business is changing, and the next challenge facing South African business is training and development to keep local companies up to speed. This is the view of Patrick Makhubedu, strategic alliance director of the Ikwezi Group.
Black businesses simply have to be prepared to work hard, stay focused and ensure that their service delivery is of the highest standard.
Patrick Makhubedu, strategic alliance director, Ikwezi Group
Both Makhubedu and the Ikwezi Group were finalists in last year`s Black ICT Achievers` awards.
"Attitudes are changing," says Makhubedu. "There was once a perception in the private sector that black businesses were not to be trusted. But, as black-led businesses prove themselves, this is changing."
He feels that the onus is on black businesses to keep up to speed with change and new developments, and to invest heavily in staff training, to compete on an equal footing with the rest of the private sector.
"Black businesses simply have to be prepared to work hard, stay focused and ensure that their service delivery is of the highest standard. It would help if the private sector committed itself to the African Renaissance and gave black-led business a fair chance," he adds.
Makhubedu points out that training and development are among the single biggest investments companies can make. "We need more skilled ICT workers in SA. A general shortage of trained staff impacts on the whole ICT industry. Private sector ICT companies that contribute to training -- both for their staff and for the communities around them -- are investing in their future and helping to bridge the digital divide."
Makhubedu says his own career choice was influenced by private sector investment in social responsibility programmes. "When I was in high school, I embarked on the Programme for Technological Careers sponsored by Telkom, Eskom, Iscor and several technical and engineering companies. The programme was run on weekends and during school holidays, giving schoolchildren with scientific and mathematical aptitude exposure to relevant career options and training. Unfortunately, funding problems later hampered expansion of programmes such as this."
He is convinced that more of these are needed, to ensure a steady supply of skilled workers to local industry, and to help combat the digital divide.
To this end, Ikwezi has made substantial contributions to social responsibility programmes. One project involves several millions of rand contributed towards the building of a school equipped with a computer centre in the Eastern Cape. Ikwezi also offers an intern programme, ensures that it involves black contractors in sub-contracting projects, and contributes to various schools and charities.
Makhubedu sees the Black ICT Achievers awards as a good way to recognise individual achievers, as well as corporate contributions towards development and black empowerment. "I believe the awards can serve as an inspiration to others," he says. "The awards ceremony allows for important exposure and networking opportunities, and could serve as a basis for future co-operation between black ICT companies."
While Makhubedu is positive about the direction the South African ICT industry is taking, he concedes that there are problems that need to be addressed.
"Financing and initial contracts can be a problem for black entrepreneurs in this sector," he says. "Banks could do a lot to improve this situation, by making financial assistance available and supporting black business. Luckily, the government is showing its commitment to supporting black business, and bridging the digital divide."
Makhubedu feels that the Black ICT Achievers could contribute a great deal to development and empowerment. "We could be used to `preach the gospel` to other businessmen, showing others how we overcame obstacles and achieved success," he says. "After all, our success depends to a large extent on the well-being of all our stakeholders -- including our communities and our country. It`s in our best interests to contribute to development around us," he points out.
Nominations for this year`s awards close at the end of July. To nominate a company or individual, or for more information, go to the nomination form at:
http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/blackachievers2001/default.asp.
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