Liquid Intelligent Technologies has opened its innovation and digital skills centre in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
The centre is equipped with high-tech classroom learning facilities with high-speed connectivity, and will serve as a technology hub where learners and entrepreneurs can equip themselves with the latest and most relevant digital skills.
Liquid SA says empowering South African youth and communities is at the core of the company, and it has implemented ICT learnership programmes for 93 students in the Eastern Cape.
The new centre, which opened its doors on Friday, will offer students courses such as Microsoft Office Fundamentals, Introduction to Design Thinking, and Introduction to C#.
“As we stand at the cusp of the 4IR [fourth industrial revolution], digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, robotics, 3D technologies and many more have become the means and solutions to many of the world’s problems,” says Deon Geyser, CEO of Liquid SA.
“We believe that empowering the youth with the necessary technological skills will prepare them to thrive in today’s digital age and become part of the digital revolution. The opening of the centre is a realisation of our commitment to future-ready local communities, upskilling the youth and accelerating digital adoption among entrepreneurs based in the Eastern Cape.”
To date, Liquid SA says, 140 underprivileged students benefitted from its bursaries to leading tertiary institutions, and 811 learnerships and internships have been implemented in various courses for learners, including those with disabilities.
“50 unemployed youth were trained on introduction to programming, 630 mainstream schools and 20 learners with disabilities benefitted from ICT equipment and expos, while 389 learners went through the virtual mathematician maths and science schools in the Eastern Cape.”
Commenting at the opening of the centre, communications and digital technologies minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams said: “A key aspect of economic development and growth is the ability to enhance competitiveness through skills and competencies that are on par with international markets. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies pro-actively developed the national digital and future skills strategy to keep pace with the advancement of technology.”
Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane said: “It is indeed heartening to see social partners, across the spectrum, including business, heed the call by government to join in the pact towards a better life for all of our people.
“Through innovation and digital technologies, we have the potential to tap into the full potential of the Eastern Cape and her peoples.”
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