Investment holding company, Alpha Investment Group, has appointed Smart Technology Centre as its technology partner for the KidZania franchise expected to launch in SA at the end of 2018.
Founded by businessman Xavier L'opez Ancona, KidZania is a Mexican chain of indoor family entertainment centres, operating in 24 locations worldwide. The indoor theme park provides children under 18 years with interactive entertainment and educational tools, empowering and educating kids through real life role-playing activities.
Alpha Investment Group, a 100% black-owned local company, was granted the licensing rights to develop the KidZania franchise in Sub-Saharan Africa. The company has invested over R400 million to bring KidZania to SA, with the flagship facility expected to open at Fourways Mall in December.
Smart Technology Centre (STC) will be responsible for the planning, procurement, implementation and support of KidZania's technology infrastructure.
Linda Morris, director at STC and project lead on KidZania, says: "STC will work on various tech, including networking, connectivity, security solutions, communications and IT support.
"We recognise the importance of managed services and the business impact of downtime in a digital landscape."
Alpha Investment says over 500 jobs will be created through the development and operation of KidZania Johannesburg, which is the first to launch in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The 8 000sqm replica of an urban commercial eco-system, complete with streets, buildings, transport system and fully-functioning economy, uses realistic role-play to teach children about different careers, the inner-workings of a city and the concept of managing money.
David Ngobeni, founder and CEO of Alpha Investment Group, explains: "We [Alpha] believe it is our role to bring this educational, career-focused concept to life. We are building a platform that will create hundreds of direct and in-direct jobs, and are establishing a safe and fun environment where children can realise their dream career of being a pilot or cabin crew scientist, radio presenter, fireman, surgeon, investment banker, dentist and more."
Ngobeni adds the decision to invest in KidZania and bring the global concept to South Africa was easy as it supports government's call for private sector companies to encourage an entrepreneurial spirit in youth, business development and job creation in SA.
STC says it will manage KidZania's technology platforms and processes against the specifications defined by KidZania's franchisor in Mexico, ensuring the latest standards are implemented and maintained within an onerous security environment.
"One such example of KidZania's state-of-the-art security system is the matching security-bracelets given to every child and parent at the entrance. These wearables will provide the location of child and parent within meters of each one's location."
The launch of KidZania Johannesburg expands the franchise's footprint to 20 countries globally. There are currently 24 operating facilities with 12 under construction, according to Alpha Investment.
Share