Expanding SMME IT sector and start-up support critical to creating jobs and building e-skills

By Angi Maloka (Senior Manager: Community Programmes Foundation)

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution deepens and the digital environment rapidly evolves, it is natural that South Africa should aspire to become an e-skilled economy. If we’re to achieve this aim, however, a key focus should be on empowering entrepreneurs ready to participate in the IT sector and in the growing gig economy.

There are some big stumbling blocks, like the lack of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates and, where these skills do exist, the under-development of the entrepreneurial skills required to broaden participation on the Information Technology (IT) playing field.

Among others, it is imperative that Vision 2030 National Development Plan, which aims to make South Africa an e-skilled nation, is supported. The direct call is to increase the number of STEM graduates and assisting IT entrepreneurs.

MTN South Africa has heard the call to do more, with our programmes serving both a business objective and a broader investment in the community to bridge the digital divide in South Africa.

MTN SA Foundation's six-year support of digital entrepreneurs is, in fact, ideally placed by helping to hone the business skills within the digital space to enable SMMEs to maximise their opportunities. The Foundation has also enhanced its contribution by establishing partnerships that add significantly to business skills development.

One of the most significant initiative at MTN SA is the partnership between the Foundation, Hodisang Dipeu Holdings, the University of the Free State and the Datacomb Development Hub. This 12- month programme, which initially reached 60 SMMEs, went national in 2021, with 100 SMMEs benefitting from the programme.

The objective is to help develop and improve entrepreneurial skills and business practices that complement already developed tech skills.

For instance, mechanical engineer and project manager Lesley Moeti moved into the ICT world after realising that financial institutions with ATMs in rural areas were facing skills challenges when it came to having machines serviced and maintained. Using his skill set, he successfully built a company named Blesimo around this capacity and has since moved into maintaining devices in urban areas. Blesimo now employs IT qualified managers and ten technicians.

Although he has been in business since 2008, he joined the MTN SA Foundation programme in 2021.

"I needed to understand more about marketing and pitching for business. I also needed a mentor to help me with advice on pushing and growing the company. Although I had a lot of experience, I found that I learned something every day," says Moeti. " I have since encouraged my partner, who is developing software for the healthcare industry, to join the MTN entrepreneurship course. She has since been selected as a participant."

"I encourage young entrepreneurs interested in IT as a business to take the step. Having people who want to make something of their own and are willing to put in the effort is what South Africa needs if it is to create opportunities and employment."

At the other end of the scale, as a new entrant to the world of IT business, Kabelo Mbelle of KEI Solutions says that although he was proficient in IT infrastructure design and maintenance, he lacked the skills to launch a new business. He says that being selected for the 2021 MTN SA Foundation course has boosted his confidence. "MTN SA taught me about structuring a business, digital marketing, the importance of pitching for work, and the value of building solid relationships."

"I am encouraged that large South African businesses want to do business with small suppliers and have already done a presentation to Sasol" says Mbelle.

"My ultimate ambition is to establish a miniature Silicone Valley on the East Rand of Gauteng where small companies like mine can establish themselves and serve commerce and industry. I believe that you must do all the research you can about what you want to do and then spread your wings if you want to fly."

The future of South Africa clearly lies on a digital path and MTN SA believes that the power of technology is the key to opening opportunities, creating jobs and spurring growth. SA has the talent, but the private and public sectors need to ensure it is supported more broadly to enable success on all fronts.

-End-

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Hodisang Dipeu Holdings is based in Bloemfontein and is involved through eight subsidiaries in programmes involving the promotion of entrepreneurship and business literacy in ICT, agriculture and other sectors.

Datacomb Consulting is an economic development consultancy based in Johannesburg that provides expertise across all industry sectors on economic development strategy and advisory services aimed at enabling growth planning for SMMEs.

ISSUED BY:

Leigh-Ann Chetty, Senior Manager: Public Relations, MTN SA

Cell: 083 209 1310

E-mail: Leigh-Ann.Chetty@mtn.com

Mthokozisi Ndlovu, Manager: Communications and Public Relations, MTN SA

Cell: 083 209 2683

E-mail: Mthokozisi.Ndlovu@mtn.com

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