On an official visit to China, South African Deputy President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa met with Huawei executive board director Jason Li at the company’s headquarters in Shenzhen. Ramaphosa and Li discussed extensively how both parties can construct ICT infrastructure and develop talent in South Africa.
“Huawei is committed to long-term investment in South Africa’s ICT sector, and strives to build a better connected South Africa with its advanced technologies and professional services. Huawei is also dedicated to cultivating local ICT talent, in line with the country’s Connect Strategy. As a leading global ICT solutions provider, Huawei will continue to share its global experience with the South African government, strive to become its advisor on ICT planning and development, and increase investment while developing local talent,” says Li.
Ramaphosa commented: “We thank Huawei for investing continually in South Africa and fulfilling its corporate social responsibility. We appreciate its efforts in helping South Africans increase ICT skills and expertise. The South African government will work with Huawei to strengthen ICT infrastructure construction and promote digital transformation in South Africa.”
Huawei entered the South African market in 1998, and today its products and solutions benefit more than over 40-million people. To cultivate local ICT talent, Huawei not only provides operational and technical training for ICT start-ups, but also establishes LTE labs and R&D funds for colleges in South Africa.
Recently, Huawei became the device sponsor for the e-library initiative launched by the South African Department of Basic Education, providing tablets for 61 e-libraries across the country to help develop local literacy. Over the next five years, Huawei will provide training for 1 000 ICT professionals in South Africa.