Kathy Gibson from the IDC CIO Summit, Sandton – ICT is immensely important to all businesses around the world – and yet the people who work in ICT do not have professional status.
Ulandi Exner, director and vice-president of the Institute of IT Professionals SA, points out that the ICT industry has evolved significantly, to the point where it is worth R109-billion this year – and is still growing.
In addition, she says, 50% of entrepreneurial activities are in ICT.
However, says Exner, between 30% and 70% of all ICT projects worldwide fail – usually because of poor execution rising from a lack of skills and knowledge.
“ICT has become an integral part of all sectors of the economy,” Exner says. “Every industry in the world uses technology. Can you go one day without using ICT?”
Today, the success of any business requires that the ICT professionals are empowered. “We don’t need ICT practitioners – we need professionals.”
Being a professional means that a practitioner who has a recognised skill and accreditation, who undergoes continual development and operates according to a code of conduct.
A professional should be accountable and trustworthy, and proud of his profession.
The CEO of an organisation is responsible and accountable for reducing risk, ensuring there is no overspending and that the assets are productive, Exner says. “The CEO wants to be confident that the ICT professional on the team can deliver results, follows worldwide standards of conduct and professionalism and continues his professional development.”
The IIPSA was formerly the Computer Society of South Africa (CSSA) and, at 57 years old, is the oldest ICT professional body in the world. It is recognised by the South Africa Qualifications Authority and aims to further professionalism in the local ICT industry.