Cisco SA has invested R30 million in corporate social investment (CSI) over the past 12 months, aiming to reduce the shortage of trained network engineers in the country.
Over 5 000 students have graduated from Cisco's Networking Academy programme locally, says the company, adding the initiative is geared towards fast-tracking the development of critical networking skills - important to supporting economic growth.
A total of 47 Networking Academies have been opened across the country, with Cisco donating networking equipment, e-learning curricula and training for instructors.
This announcement follows closely on the back of speculation that Cisco is pulling out of the president's International Advisory Council on Information Society and Development.
However, local GM Steve Midgley said the company is committed to the council, and will continue to play its advisory role.
Aligning with Asgisa
Globally, the networking giant has invested over $150 million in the worldwide Networking Academy programme.
As the government focused on the ICT sector as a critical enabler to deliver on the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for SA (Asgisa) initiative, Cisco focused on fast-tracking the development of relevant skills to assist with this, says area academy manager Alfie Hamid.
Hamid believes the Networking Academy programme is an excellent model for successful public-private partnerships between business, government and educational institutions, since it enables the right skills to get out to the market quickly and cost-effectively.
"Cisco has bravely reduced the gap and is in the forefront of providing ICT services to schools, colleges and universities within southern Africa," said communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri at a Networking Academy event in Johannesburg this week.
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