The University of the Witwatersrand, in partnership with Telkom, Siemens and Vodacom, has created the Wits Convergence Laboratory.
The facility is expected to provide a platform for world-class research in technology and modern telecoms.
The laboratory is part of Telkom's Centres of Excellence programme, and will support the work of the Centre for Telecommunications Access and the Jo'burg Centre for Software Engineering at Wits, says Barry Dwolatzky, a professor of software engineering at Wits.
The 16 Telkom Centres of Excellence, based at tertiary institutions across the country, are collaborations between the fixed-line operator, the telecoms industry and government to promote research in telecoms technology and allied sciences, says Telkom Foundation CEO Nkhetheleng Vokwana.
They also provide facilities to encourage young scientists and engineers to pursue research, she says.
"Ultimately, Telkom aims to establish an ICT skills supply pipeline that will narrow the gap between supply and demand, particularly in specialised areas such as convergence."
Research objectives
Research at the laboratory will focus on telecoms networks and the services these networks can bring about, Dwolatzky says.
The laboratory will also focus on identifying the needs of telecoms customers, as well as looking at services that they use, such as online and mobile gaming, he says.
In addition to research facilities, the laboratory will have a client area where convergence concepts will be demonstrated to students and the public.
Skills shortage
Mthobi Tyamzashe, Vodacom executive director of stakeholder relations, emphasises the skills shortage in SA and the role companies can play to help bridge the gap between theoretical education and skills development.
"ICT companies also need to facilitate the skills development of learners and young graduates to adequately prepare them for a future in ICT and related business areas," he says.
Mark Van Vuuren, MD of Fixed Networks at Siemens Communications Southern Africa, points out that SA needs to curb the draining of qualified ICT professionals by providing adequate development and competitive career opportunities.
"If we do software development for the world market and offer competitive salaries, there is no need for young graduates to take up jobs overseas," he says.
The Wits Convergence Laboratory is the first of its kind in SA, Dwolatzky says. However, he is hopeful the model will be duplicated at all Telkom Centres of Excellence.
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