The CSSA`s annual President`s Banquet, hosted this year by President Peter Aspinall, was well attended by key players in the industry - a sign of the growing role that the CSSA is playing in the ICT sector. "It is obvious from the response this year that we will have to look for a larger venue for next year`s function," commented Aspinall. Organisers, Aardvark Communication, had to turn some 13 companies away because the event was booked out.
The banquet was highlighted by the presentation of the CIO of the Year award to Old Mutual`s Vic Lumby and the IT Personality of the Year Award, awarded to Mark Shuttleworth. The awards were presented in association with Computerweek and ITWeb, respectively. The evening also included the official launch of the SAITIS (South African Information Technology Industry Strategy) Project. "The CSSA is central to the evolution of the ICT sector and the fact that theSociety has been involved in the SAITIS initiative since inception through Dr Jonathan Miller, a CSSA member and member of the SAITIS Steering Committee, is indicative of our commitment and initiative," commented Aspinall.
A video clip screened at the function saw Minister of the DTI, Alec Erwin, announcing the initial ICT Sector Strategy for the country, as well as projects for immediate implementation. The strategy covers four main areas, including the ICT Industry Structure, global competitiveness and sustainable environment, an ICT Usage Infrastructure, Human Resource Development and Innovation. The strategy spells out a wealth of broad principles and recommended actions in each of these key areas.
SAITIS is a R15 million project, funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the DTI. The project sets out to develop a strong and robust ICT sector in South Africa and includes some 37 organisations - all stakeholders in the industry. The SAITIS website at www.saitis.co.za contains full details of all goals and actions.
As an industry body, the CSSA will continue to play a key role in SAITIS, along with its other activities and functions - all of which serve as a forum to enhance the levels of professionalism and growth within the ICT industry.
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