Dimension Data today announced the R1.26 billion pay-out of its seven year transformation transaction, and unveiled details on the numerous measurable benefits achieved across its transformation initiatives.
“Within Dimension Data, transformation has opened up massive business opportunities during the period, with revenues in the public sector market, and across the rest of Africa growing over 750% and 110% respectively,” said Brett Dawson, CEO, Dimension Data plc. “Without question, the business would not have been able to achieve such outstanding growth rates without driving an aggressive transformation strategy at the same time. Employees have not only benefited financially from the Employee Empowerment Trust, which touched 2,177 employees, but also through extensive training and career development opportunities.
Derek Wilcocks, CEO, Dimension Data Middle East & Africa added: “Growth of the MEA business over this period also doubled our employee base from just under 3,000 employees in three countries to around 5,800 employees in 20 countries across the African continent. . In 2011, 50 of our learners notched up a total 68 distinctions. In addition, our business growth has allowed employees to advance their management and technology skills through education opportunities and on-the-job training. Today, many of our employees have successful careers with us, and hold globally-recognised technical qualifications. Personal development opportunities were also created by providing employees the potential to live and work not only across the African continent, but also internationally.”
Andile Ngcaba, Chairman, Dimension Data Middle East & Africa said: “Since 2004, Dimension Data’s contributions to the economic viability and strength of South Africa have been substantial. One of the successes I am particularly proud of is that we grew our employment equity through the creation of some 3,500 new PDI jobs, and created new jobs through our enterprise development initiatives.”
Dimension Data founded an entrepreneurship programme, whereby entrepreneurs wishing to participate in the ICT industry are incubated over a 12-24 month period. This programme has 75% participation by PDIs and PDI women entrepreneurs. Over 57 entrepreneurs have already benefited from this programme including 12 Broad-Based Empowerment Trust beneficiaries who initiated start-up co-operatives including bakeries, sewing and other rural developmental business initiatives across all nine provinces.
Ngcaba added: “In 2004, when we embarked on our transformation journey, we created what was at the time, one of the first transformation strategies that focused on empowering grass-roots, community organisations based in rural and developing areas within all nine provinces. Through our Broad-Based Empowerment Trust (called the Dimension Data Community Development Trust from today), we have empowered 35 broad-based community groups that provide support and care to over 45,000 vulnerable individuals. These groups align with the government’s national priorities of health, HIV/AIDs, education, women and children, job creation, and rural development.”
Advancing education has been another key focus area for Dimension Data. Some 27,500 learners have benefited from its e-learning programmes across 53 schools in seven provinces. Annually, Dimension Data’s Saturday School programme provides intensive support for 100 learners in reaching matric and preparing for higher education. Successes include a 100% matric pass rate, and 95% university entrance.
In 2011, 50 of our learners notched up a total 68 distinctions. The company’s University Bursary Programme funded 16 Saturday school learners to attend a university of their choice, complete an undergraduate degree, and have the potential to join Dimension Data after graduation. Dimension Data also provided one year learnerships/internships for some 150 previously disadvantaged learners in a programme run annually in partnership with the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) and key vendors. More than 70% of these learners secured permanent employment with Dimension Data post their learnerships/internship year.
Jeremy Ord, Chairman, Dimension Data plc said: “Dimension Data is testament to the overwhelming positive impact transformation has made in business and society as a whole. We are a proudly South African company that has remained headquartered South Africa, while building a dominant global business and leadership position in the worldwide ICT industry. Transformation is not about a point in time transaction for us, but an on-going strategic journey which we remain committed. This is a very proud day for us,” concluded Ord.
Staff Writer
