Johannesburg, 03 Sep 2001
"Convenience partnerships" are quick fixes that make no real contribution to black economic empowerment. Sustainable growth requires ongoing capacity-building programmes offering sound skills transfers.
With the right skills and business models, black ICT companies will show natural growth and overcome any problems with lack of capacity over time.
Livingstone Chilwane, Public Services Director, SAP Public Services
This is the view of Livingstone Chilwane, Director: Professional Services, SAP Public Services. SAP is the main sponsor of the 2001 Black ICT Achievers Award, as part of its commitment to capacity building in the previously disadvantaged sector.
Chilwane says: "SAP has always been involved with the Black ICT Achiever of the Year Awards, because we support initiatives that promote capacity building from a skills perspective. We are currently also partnering and mentoring a number of black ICT companies in an SAP global accreditation and certification process that will give them a base for ongoing growth."
It's the old "teach a man to fish" story. Chilwane says SAP is committed to skills development because it helps people to sell more than just a product, it ultimately allows people to sell skills over the longer term. "With the right skills and business models, black ICT companies will show natural growth and overcome any problems with lack of capacity over time," he says.
"This is why the Black ICT Achiever of the Year Awards are important," says Chilwane. "The awards serve to recognise those who have made significant contributions to black economic empowerment, and who can be held up as role models to others."
Perhaps it need not be seen as a 'black' award so much as a South African initiative to unlock potential from the previously disadvantage communities to the benefit of all South Africans.
Livingstone Chilwane, Public Services Director, SAP Public Services
Chilwane feels that it still is important to offer an award that recognises achievement in the previously disadvantaged sector. "Perhaps it need not be seen as a 'black' award so much as a South African initiative to unlock potential from the previously disadvantage communities to the benefit of all South Africans," he says.
The Awards should serve as encouragement to those making inroads in the industry. "The winners get the recognition they deserve, as well as good exposure from a marketing perspective, and serve as role models for future achievers," Chilwane concludes.
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