The ICT and broadcast industries occupy a pivotal position within the greater South African economy, contributing as much as 10% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
“Not only does ICT inject a much-needed R95-billion into the local economy annually, the fact that the sector is a very visible one means it has the capacity to change perceptions and to advance South Africa’s transformation goals,” says Deputy Minister of Telecommunications & Postal Services, Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize.
Prof Mkhize who will be one of the speakers at the ICT Achievers Awards Gala Dinner on 2 October at Vodacom World Dome, applauds the country’s only awards aimed at rewarding the twin ideals of innovation and transformation that also seek to recognise progressive individuals who have changed the game play when it comes to ICT in both the public and private sectors.
SACF chairperson Lucky Masilela says that, by providing a platform for identifying worthy ICT personalities who have spearheaded innovative and transformational initiatives in the sector, the Forum was staying true to its empowerment agenda. “The SACF aims to reduce inequality by broadening participation in the ICT sector for the ultimate benefit of every single South African,” explains Masilela.
According to Themba Kinana, Government Relations Executive for lead ICT Awards project sponsor and platinum SACF member, Vodacom, the awards will help to position ICT as an inclusive enabler of greater social cohesiveness.
“Communication brings us all closer and nothing enables more communication, more often, than ICT. As a SACF member, we are committed to the vision to democratise communications and our sponsorship of these awards takes us a step closer towards that goal,” says Kinana
The appointed judges will consider: the contribution, benefit and positive impact on society and identified societies that the nominee has made; challenges faced and how these challenges were overcome in order for the nominee to be recognised as a leader in the sector; the nominee’s length of service in the ICT sector; and other important projects which the nominee has contributed towards in order to advance the local ICT sector.
The awards are unique in that both the public and the ICT and Broadcast industry can nominate individuals within the categories of:
* Entrepreneurship and SMME;
* Community Development;
* Local Content Production;
* Innovation;
* Future Leader;
* Women in ICT;
* Honorary Lifetime Achievers Award; and
* Innovation for Africa Award.
Nominations are not limited to members of the SACF and are open to members of the South African ICT industry.
Members of SACF include industry leaders such as Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, SABC, Broadband Infraco, Cell C, SA Post Office Sentech, Dimension Data, Neotel, eTv, Ericsson and Huawei, among others.