Software maker SAP and MICT SETA announced their partnership for the advancement of human capital in information and communication technology (ICT) in South Africa, during a signing ceremony this week.
During the ceremony MICT SETA committed R10 million over a period of four years towards the placement of PhD and Master Candidates in SAP Research Internet Application and Services Africa.
“The MICT SETA is proud to be the key contributor towards the acceleration of ICT skills in the sector. This funding is but part of our mandate to accelerate critical and scarce skills through programmes such as the Advanced Human Capital Development Programme.
In committing R 10 million towards this initiative we are helping to fast-track high-level skills in the ICT sector and help reduce scarcity of such specialised human capital knowledge” comments Oupa Mopaki, CEO of MICT SETA.
Danie Kok, Head of SAP Research Internet Application and Services Africa commented, “We are extremely pleased with our partnership with MICT SETA. We look forward to a very successful Advanced Human Capital Development Programme – which with the support from SETA and DST will grow the number of PhD and Master Candidates in SAP Research Africa to 23.
Our partnership not only promotes South Africa’s participation in global competitive research programmes, but contributes to the development of the National System of Innovation by producing highly qualified PhD and Master Graduates with practical research experience to this system. We are extremely excited to do great things in South Africa with SETA by our side.”
“The dearth of PHDs in ICT in our country cannot go unaddressed. As a SETA we have a responsibility to addressing skills needs at entry level, intermediary level as well as high level. This MoU is one way in which we address this problem. We look forward to a lasting and mutually beneficial working relationship on this project with a leading company such SAP” concluded the CEO of MICT SETA.
Staff writer
