The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Charter Working Group reports that there has been an "overwhelming response" from the sector ahead of next week`s ICT black economic empowerment (BEE) charter indaba.
The indaba aims to formulate the industry`s BEE strategy, including a 'scorecard` on how the BEE plan should be carried out.
Working Group chairman Dali Mpofu says there has been an "overwhelming response" from the industry. He says ICT industry players have pledged more support than was expected, resulting in the successful expansion of the process of inclusiveness. "The Working Group is very upbeat about the indaba."
The Working Group drafted the discussion document and schedule leading up to the indaba, which aims to include as much of the industry as possible in drafting an empowerment charter.
Mpofu says the strength of support is indicated by the fact that 500 delegates are expected to attend the two-day indaba at the Sandton Convention Centre. "The ICT sector, including the electronics sector, is a key driver for the economy, but for the process to benefit fully, we need to solicit all sections of the population."
IT Association (ITA) president and Working Group member Mthunzi Mdwaba says that by working together, the ITA, Black IT Forum, Computer Society of SA, SA Communications Forum and Information Industry SA have found "incredible synergies".
He says invitations to the indaba are being issued only through these bodies. The Working Group says this decision was made to ensure as many different players in as many different areas as possible are included.
"The indaba is not a one-stop event," says Mpofu, "but part of an ongoing process that will provide the opportunity for all stakeholders in ICT to come forward and state their needs from the charter."
He says the indaba will allow for the incorporation of BEE requirements and give a clear indication to government of the direction it must take.
"Bridging the digital divide will be the soul of the indaba, with all views being welcome."
Mpofu says the scorecard in terms of BEE and equity ownership of multinational companies are likely to be the most "hotly contested" issues. "The Working Group believes it is important for these and other issues of contention to be put on the table and debated."
The first day of the indaba on Tuesday next week will start with a plenary session, taking input from leaders in the ICT sector. Delegates will then be divided into smaller discussion groups to workshop the issues surrounding BEE. On the second day, the discussion groups will report back to the plenary to produce a consensus on the way forward so that recommendations can be given to government.
Mpofu says the Working Group hopes to produce a "living document" that is reviewed on an annual basis to ensure dialogue is ongoing.
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