ITA News Online
August 2008

INDEX
1. MEET ITA PRESIDENT: ADAM RABIE
2. THE CHALLENGE IS ON - ANNUAL 09TH ITA GOLF DAY
3. BUSINESS UNITY SOUTH AFRICA
4. BEE WATCH
5. JCSE REPORT
6. NEWS NIBBLE
7. ICT FUNNIES
8. NEWS HOUND
9. WITSA ANNOUNCES THE CREATION OF THEIR GREEN ICT FORUM
10. PAG NEWS

MEET ITA PRESIDENT: ADAM RABIE

At the 74th Information Technology Association (ITA) Annual General Meeting, held at Microsoft SA Pty Ltd in Bryanston Adam Rabie, Divisional Managing Director of Public Sector Authorities at the Bytes Technology Group was appointed as President for the 2008/9 term.

Since 1989, after matriculating at Tafelsig High in Mitchells Plain (Cape Town), Adam's career has developed from fledgling to a senior level in management consulting and now a Director at one of South Africa's leading ICT companies, Bytes Technology Group. His career in Bytes arrives from an acquisition, where he was part of the Management Consulting Services Team that descends from Ernst & Young.

Adam has a B. Com. Honours Degree in Information Systems. In addition, he has completed various other business and technical programmes. Prior to moving into consulting, Adam occupied a management position with a leading Life Assurance Company. Part of his responsibilities as such was not only business related but also the development of staff; and the enhancement of client relationships and key stakeholders. He then advanced to heading a Project Enterprise Office with an Investment Company and then later joined the Telecommunications environment. His career then progressively grew in various roles within the ICT industry. He is passionate about adding value in any way, and positively contributing towards the social, transformation and economical agendas within South Africa. He has always believed that one should be prepared to put some time and energy back into the industry, and broader society.

Speaking on his appointment as ITA President, Rabie has said “I am honoured to be elected President of ITA and thank the Executive Council for putting their trust in me to take over the responsibilities from the capable hands of previous incumbent Keith Anderson. It is absolutely key to ensure that the ITA continues to provide value to all its members, which currently totals to approximately 150 IT companies within South Africa, ranging from multi-nationals to small companies. In this regard, we will immediately review our existing programmes and redefine the ITA value proposition and engagement model.

Anderson commented that ”The appointment of Adam to this position marks a new era for our Association, which wants to reinvent itself as a more relevant Association to the ICT industry today. We are delighted that Adam shares our vision for the Association, and is prepared to bring his deep experience to the organisation. Rabie added, We are indeed sad to say goodbye to Keith, who has done a fine job in raising the profile of ITA. He leaves a good foundation for me to build on; however, we will surely still call on his expertise from time-to-time.

Other appointments onto the Management committee include:

  • Vice President - Dr. Thabo Lehlokoe (Chairman, Swicon South Africa (Pty) Ltd)
  • Vice President - Pfungwa Serima (MD, SAP )
  • Vice President - Janette Cumming (Director, Paracon SA (Pty) Ltd)
  • Honorary Treasurer - Roger Latchman (MD, PKF Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors (Pty) Ltd)


 

 

ITA 09th ANNUAL GOLF DAY

CLASH OF THE TITANS

ICT Giants will collide on the golf course in a Challenge to steal the coveted trophy away from Paracon.

The event is the ITA 9th Annual Golf Challenge to be held on the 22 of October, at the Kyalami Country Club, which is an eighteen hole Golf Course situated conveniently between Pretoria and Johannesburg in a superb, tranquil setting blending in with its surroundings; this golf course has been designed with nature in mind. The varying habitats add to the beauty of the course, while nature is actively encouraged to be a part of it.

New business acquaintances are to be made with more and more companies participating this year, the possibilities are cosmic for deals to be made and closed the only thing need you to do is tee it up.

Your company cannot afford to miss out on this annual event. In fact, this is becoming one of the most important events on the business calendar. ICT businesses come together to build relationships while having tremendous fun.

Date:   22 October 2008
Venue:   Kyalami Golf Course
Contact:   Nisha Pillay
E-mail:   nisha@ita.org.za
Mobile: 082 398 3891
Cost:   R2500 per four ball

A variety of sponsorships are on offer for interested partners
Contact Gabi   gabi@ita.org.za / 072 2046078


ITA has recently become members of BUSA.

Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) was created in October 2003 through the merger of the Black Business Council and Business South Africa. It began operating in January 2004. The merger created the first truly unified organisation for business in South Africa.

BUSA represents South African business on macro-economic and high-level issues that affect it at the national and international levels. Their function is to ensure that business plays a constructive role in the country's economic growth, development and transformation and to create an environment in which businesses of all sizes and in all sectors can thrive, expand and be competitive.

BUSA aims to be a unified and fully representative organisation that contributes to a vibrant, transforming and growing economy in South Africa.

ITA member companies now have a vehicle that represents them at this level.

NOTE FROM THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE POLICY.

Invitation to attend the 3rd India, Brazil South Africa (IBSA) Business Summit: 13-15 October 2008, New Delhi, India

On behalf of the President of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Mr Brian Molefe, I would like to invite you to participate in the 3rd India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Business Council Summit from 13 to 15 October 2008 in New Delhi, India. Attached, as a separate word document [D116.doc] please find a draft programme for the Summit. The following are key events to note:

  • Opening of the IBSA Business Council Summit with Ministers on Monday 13 October.
  • IBSA Business Council Summit on Tuesday 14 October.
  • Interaction with IBSA Heads of State on Wednesday 15 October.

The organisers in India have also arranged for day trips on 11 and 12 October for those who will be arriving early. Other events that might take place in the margins of the Summit include a meeting of the South Africa – India CEOs Forum and a Department of Trade and Investment South African roadshow with the Provincial Investment Promotion Agencies. These additional activities will be confirmed as soon as possible.

Members that are interested in participating are requested indicate availability to attend the IBSA Summit by completing the attached registration form. All participants will be responsible for their own flight and accommodation costs Transport will also be provided between the Hotel and Summit venue. Please contact Ms. Salvation Andrease at the BUSA Office on tel: 011 784 8000 if you have any questions.

Kindly submit the registration form to Ms. Andrease by e-mail on salvation.andrease@busa.org.za by no later than Monday 15 September 2008.

Contact info@ita.org.zafor a registration form and draft programme. Jerry Vilakazi
Chief Executive Officer
3rd IBSA Business Summit 2008



BEE WATCH

Black economic empowerment

South Africa's policy of black economic empowerment (BEE) is not simply a moral initiative to redress the wrongs of the past. It is a pragmatic growth strategy that aims to realise the country's full economic potential.

In the decades before South Africa achieved democracy in 1994, the apartheid government systematically excluded African, Indian and coloured people from meaningful participation in the country's economy. This inevitably caused much poverty and suffering - and a profoundly sick economy. The distortions in the economy eventually led to a crisis, started in the 1970s, when gross domestic product (GDP) growth fell to zero, and then hovered at about 3.4% in the 1980s. At a time when other developing economies with similar resources were growing, South Africa was stagnating.

Full potential

"Our country requires an economy that can meet the needs of all our economic citizens - our people and their enterprises - in a sustainable manner," the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) says in its BEE strategy document.

"This will only be possible if our economy builds on the full potential of all persons and communities across the length and breadth of this country." Despite the many economic gains made in the country since 1994 – growth has been 4% or higher in every quarter since 2004 – the racial divide between rich and poor remains. As the DTI points out, such inequalities can have a profound effect on political stability: "Societies characterised by entrenched gender inequality or racially or ethnically defined wealth disparities are not likely to be socially and politically stable, particularly as economic growth can easily exacerbate these inequalities."

Broad-based growth

Black economic empowerment is not affirmative action, although employment equity forms part of it. Nor does it aim to take wealth from white people and give it to blacks. It is essentially a growth strategy, targeting the South African economy's weakest point: inequality. "No economy can grow by excluding any part of its people, and an economy that is not growing cannot integrate all of its citizens in a meaningful way," the DTI says. "As such, this strategy stresses a BEE process that is associated with growth, development and enterprise development, and not merely the redistribution of existing wealth." Black economic empowerment is thus an important policy instrument aimed at broadening the economic base of the country – and through this, at stimulating further economic growth and creating employment. The strategy is broad-based, as shown in the name of the legislation: the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act of 2003. This reflects the government's approach, which is to "situate black economic empowerment within the context of a broader national empowerment strategy … focused on historically disadvantaged people, and particularly black people, women, youth, the disabled, and rural communities"

As the DTI notes, discrimination "is at its most severe when race coincides with gender and/or disability".

How to achieve BEE?

Black economic empowerment is driven by legislation and regulation. An integral part of the BEE Act of 2003 is a sector-wide generic scorecard, which measures companies' empowerment progress in four areas:

  • Direct empowerment through ownership and control of enterprises and assets.
  • Management at senior level.
  • Human resource development and employment equity.
  • Indirect empowerment through:
  • preferential procurement,
  • enterprise development, and
  • corporate social investment (a residual and open-ended category).

This scorecard, as well as a scorecard for multinational companies, is defined and elaborated in the BEE codes of good practice.
The codes of good practice, which govern how companies do business in South Africa, allow global and multinational companies some flexibility in how they structure their empowerment deals. For example, representation does not only have to be at ownership level.
The codes are binding on all state bodies and public companies, and the government is required to apply them when making economic decisions on:

  • procurement,
  • licensing and concessions,
  • public-private partnerships, and
  • the sale of state-owned assets or businesses.

Private companies must apply the codes if they want to do business with any government enterprise or organ of state - that is, to tender for business, apply for licences and concessions, enter into public-private partnerships, or buy state-owned assets.
Companies are also encouraged to apply the codes in their interactions with one another, since preferential procurement will affect most private companies throughout the supply chain.
Different industries are required to draw up their own charters on BEE, so that all sectors can adopt a uniform approach to empowerment and how it is measured.
The DTI has all the relevant documents and information on black economic empowerment available online. www.dti.gov.za

JCSE REPORT

CMMI Important for Public Sector

Process is vital for government software development projects, given that twenty percent of all software development projects are likely to end in outright failure, Professor Barry Dwolatzky, JCSE  Director said at the Gov Tech conference in Durban.

Process is vital for government software development projects, given that twenty percent of all software development projects are likely to end in outright failure, says Professor Barry Dwolatzky, Director of the Joburg Centre for Software Engineering (JCSE) at Wits University.

Speaking at the State IT Agency (Sita) GovTech Conference on Tuesday, Dwolatzky says that according to the Chaos Report issued by the Standish Group in 2006, two out of ten software development projects globally never see the light of day. A further four projects out of every ten are likely to come in late and/or over budget while the remaining four projects will come in on time, to budget and meet specifications.

"If one applies these figures to some of the major government IT projects like Home Affairs National Identification System (HANIS) estimated at a cost of R2.5 billion, the National Treasury's multi-billion rand Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) - where HR alone will cost around R800 million - and other projects like e-Natis, the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), SARS's eFiling, the Batho Pele Gateway and more, then one begins to see that if the Chaos report's statistics are true then the prospects are somewhat alarming," he says. The good news is that the 2006 report shows significant improvement from previous reports, with fewer projects failing outright and more coming in on time and to budget. Jim Johnson, founder and chairman of the Standish Group says the reason for this comes down to three main factors. Firstly iterative development contributes to a more precise process and less revisions within the software development process. Secondly, the Internet has facilitated improved communication between developers and users and thirdly process has improved.

Honing in on the third reason, Dwolatzky says according to the process management premise: the quality of a product or service is determined by the quality of the process used to develop or deliver it.

"The success of a software development project is therefore determined by the maturity of the process used to deliver it. The more "immature" the process, the higher the risk to the development project. There is therefore a general move internationally among software development companies to reduce risk by improving process," he says.

CMMI matures processes:
One of the main ways in which risk is being averted in development projects internationally is  by implementing the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) process improvement product suite, which was developed at the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University in the United States.

SEI figures show that when CMMI is implemented by development companies, their ability to estimate cost improves by an average of 34 percent, there is a 50 percent improvement in scheduling and a 61 percent increase in productivity.

The JCSE brought CMMI to South Africa in 2006 and began training local resources so that it could begin to offer CMMI consulting to the local market at local prices. It launched a CMMI pilot with companies like the State IT Agency (Sita), First National Bank, IBM, Wits University and a number of small to medium enterprises. The aim of the pilot is to take a number of companies through the CMMI process to make a compelling case for implementing CMMI on a broader scale within South Africa.

Government involved:
Government is already involved in the process through the participation of Sita in the pilot as well as a contribution by the Department of Trade and Industry of around R1.5 million to the JCSE's CMMI programme in 2007.

Government has also acknowledged the importance of CMMI for South Africa. Speaking at the CoMMIt conference last year, the Minister of Trade and Industry (DTI), Mandisi Mpahlwa threw Government's support behind CMMI, saying that process improvement would be critical in assisting local software development companies in becoming more competitive internationally. According to the Minister, the growth of the local software development market will depend on strong domestic demand, skills within the sector, a supportive infrastructure environment and international standards.

"South Africa's software development sector is lagging behind other countries which are using CMMI to position themselves internationally," he said. "We should see this as an opportunity to grow our own software development sector which currently has an estimated value of around R13 billion. CMMI will be a critical success factor to increase exports and thereby assist in growing the industry. To do this, we will have to create an environment that produces CMMI rated companies," he says. Dwolatzky says that they key to answering the Minister's call will be for the ICT sector, and particularly development companies, to focus on process improvement and positioning themselves to compete side-by-side with international companies.

"To be able to compete internationally on the software development stage will require involvement and investment from both the public and private sectors. Given that South Africa's counterparts in developing countries like India, Mexico and Brazil have already committed  themselves to process improvement and are competing  successfully internationally, its time for South Africa to step up to the plate and do the same," Dwolatzky says.

CMMI background: 
CMMI is a process improvement model that defines the maturity of companies' processes, Dwolatzky says. CMMI rates companies' processes on a scale of one to five. "The five maturity levels of CMMI are: initial, repeatable, defined, managed, and optimising. CMMI assists lower level companies with issues like planning, project monitoring and control, measurement, requirements management and putting in place proper contracts with clients and suppliers. "It then moves on in the higher levels, helping companies to define policy frameworks and introduce best practise. Furthermore, it increases improves the predictive power of an organisation, optimises quality, reduces costs and increases efficiency," he says.

Why CMMI?
The CMMI model is being used extensively in the US and Europe to assist companies in countering risk when awarding tenders. Because CMMI rates the maturity of companies' process, it gives a level of assurance that the company being given the work will be able to complete the job in the time and price quoted for the project. Dwolatzky says in order for the local software development industry to become more competitive on a global scale, it will need to fall into line with international standards, so that local companies seeking international contracts will be able to meet the CMMI level specified by international companies. There is also the aspect of self improvement. Companies will be able to use CMMI as a way of differentiating themselves locally and by achieving a level of CMMI, will have naturally improved their processes which will make them more competitive.

.

News nibble

DST calls innovators

The Innovation Fund seeks investment proposals from South Africans with novel and inventive technological ideas that are commercially viable.

The closing date for proposals is 31 October, says the agency that answers to the Department of Science and Technology.

The fund's senior commercialisation manager, Duncan Raftesath, says the invite is based on his “firm belief in the inventiveness of South Africans; their ability to invent technologies and apply them in solving real life problems”.

Raftesath says scientists, engineers and inventors that come up with truly novel and inventive technologies “that have a commercial case” will find the fund will help them “finalise their R&D, protect their intellectual property and commercialise their inventions”.

Money will be made available through the Innovation Fund's Technology Advancement Programme (TAP), Seed Fund and the Patent Support Funds.

TAP investments are up to R15 million per project over five years. The TAP invests in projects that need funding to finalise late stage R&D – “where proof of science already exists”.

Projects that have already developed novel and inventive technologies, but need investment to take their technologies to the market, will receive investment through the Seed Fund. This invests in early commercialisation/start-up activities aimed at taking technological innovations to market. The total value of Seed Fund investments are decided on a case by case basis, says Raftesath.

The Patent Support Fund seeks to help SMEs and techno-entrepreneurs. Each successful SME will receive an investment of up to R750 000.
HUMOUR

If Only Life could be like a Computer

  • If you messed up your life, you could press "Alt, Ctrl, Delete" and start all over!
  • To get your daily exercise, just click on "run"!
  • If you needed a break from life, click on "suspend".
  • Hit "any key" to continue life when ready.
  • To get even with the neighbors, turn up the sound blaster.
  • To "add/remove" someone in your life, click settings and control panel.
  • To improve your appearance, just adjust the display settings.
  • If life gets too noisy, turn off the speakers.
  • When you lose your car keys, click on "find".
  • "Help" with the chores is just a click away.
  • You wouldn't need auto insurance. You'd use your diskette to recover from a crash.
  • We could click on "send" and the kids would go to bed immediately.
  • To feel like a new person, click on "refresh".
  • Click on "close" to shut up the kids and spouse.
  • To undo a mistake, click on "back".
  • Is your wardrobe getting old? Click "update".
  • If you don't like cleaning the litter box, click on "delete".
VISIT OUR WEB SITE

www.ita.org.za 

CONTACT US

As a valued member of the ITA, your input is appreciated. Please send us your comments and suggestions.

Send an e-mail to the Secretariat
info@ita.org.za 		 Gabrielle Erasmus
gabi@ita.org.za 

 

Proudly South African is an exciting campaign to promote South African companies, products and services which are helping to create jobs and economic growth in our country

  • When choosing products and services bearing the Proudly South African logo, you have an assurance of quality. You also make a meaningful and personal contribution to building South Africa's economy and alleviating unemployment, as well as keep jobs and money in the country. Indirectly you are fighting against poverty, crime and disease, and helping the country
  • Being a member of the Proudly South African campaign also brings important benefits that boost your marketing efforts, promote your products and services in the market place, present new business opportunities, keep you in touch with other members and provide support with procurement and tendering.
  • ITA is a Proudly South African Association.
 
The World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) is a consortium of over 60 information technology (IT) industry associations from economies around the world. ITA is the South African representative. WITSA members represent over 90 percent of the world IT market. As the global voice of the IT industry, WITSA is dedicated to:
  • advocating policies that advance the industry's growth and development;
  • facilitating international trade and investment in IT products and services;
  • strengthening WITSA's national industry associations through the sharing of knowledge,
  • experience, and critical information;
  • providing members with a vast network of contacts in nearly every geographic region of the world;
  • hosting the World Congress on IT, the premier industry sponsored global IT event;
  • hosting the Global Public Policy Conference; and

Founded in 1978 and originally known as the World Computing Services Industry Association, WITSA has increasingly assumed an active advocacy role in international public policy issues affecting the creation of a robust global information infrastructure, including:

  • increasing competition through open markets and regulatory reform;
  • protecting intellectual property;
  • encouraging cross-industry and government cooperation to enhance information security;
  • bridging the education and skills gap
  • reducing tariff and non-tariff trade barriers to IT goods and services; and
  • safeguarding the viability and continued growth of the Internet and electronic commerce.

WITSA has a real impact on the global IT environment. It strengthens the industry at large by promoting a level playing field and by voicing the concerns of the international IT community in multilateral organizations, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the G-8 and other international fora where policies affecting industry interests are developed

IDC's R1bn boost for entrepreneurs

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has launched a R1-billion Transformation and Entrepreneurship Scheme, comprising five different funds as well as an investment and business support grant, to serve the financing and entrepreneurial needs of South Africa's marginalised groups.

The initiative is an umbrella scheme incorporating the Women's Entrepreneurial Fund (with R400-million being made available for disbursement), the Equity Contribution Fund (with R150-million), the People with Disabilities Fund (with R50-million, as well as the existing IDC Development Fund for Workers (with R250-million) and the IDC Foundation Fund for Communities (with R150-million). "We are committed to creating sustainable economic development opportunities through the funding and promotion of enterprises and industries with a strong job creation element especially in SME and BEE transactions," IDC chief executive Geoffrey Qhena said in a statement last week.

The scheme, which will be managed by the IDC's Risk Capital Facility unit, has been designed to facilitate the development of targeted marginalised entrepreneurs and enable them to access financing as well as serve as a propeller for new entrants into the formal sector entrepreneurial activity.

Each of the five funds has its own qualifying criteria which have been clearly outlined in the information booklet.

Investment criteria common to all five funds include a demonstration of economic viability and financial sustainability of the business, and that provisions are made for the employment of people with disabilities. In addition, funding provided will generally not be less than R1-million, while the operations of the applicant must fall within one of the sectors in which IDC investment activity occurs.

Qhena said while setting a benchmark for development finance by investing in higher-risk projects, the scheme would complement existing funds provided by the IDC. The ring-fenced scheme also aims to act as a catalyst for the targeted entrepreneurs by providing high-risk and largely concessional capital for start-up businesses, acquisitions and expansions. "The scheme will develop marginalised entrepreneurs - it is also intended to have strong bias towards black women-owned enterprises," he said.

Free, expert, hands-on help for SMEs

A Dutch organisation is offering to help small and medium enterprises in South Africa, by providing the free services of retired managers willing to transfer their knowledge and experience to local entrepreneurs.

PUM Netherlands Senior Experts is an organisation funded by the Dutch government and Dutch employers' organisation VNO-NCW to assist small- and medium-sized enterprises in some 80 countries around the world.

PUM receives requests for assistance in every stage of the managerial process, from administration to finance, automation, production, marketing, technique and a wide variety of specialist fields. It has assigned experts to advise firms in just about every sector of industry, including construction, textile, metal and wood processing, chemicals and agriculture.

"This organisation has about 4 000 retired ex-managers working unpaid for them, willing to transfer their knowledge and experience to smaller companies in development countries," senior PUM expert Jan van der Vleuten told SAinfo last week.

According to PUM, their experts do not receive a salary, but are driven by enthusiasm and a desire to make a contribution and meet the challenge of improving the lives of people in far-off countries.

Long-term employment creation

The organisation gives particular attention to medium-sized companies in sectors that are experiencing growth, as they have the highest chances of creating employment in the long term. "Sustainable economic growth in developing countries cannot be achieved if it does not benefit the poor," the organisation's website states. "Because industrious small and medium-sized firms play the most significant role in creating new employment, PUM grants preference to local companies." "These companies also make the greatest contribution towards improving socio-economic conditions."

Practical help

Van der Vleuten further explained that practical, on-site help would be given to those companies that displayed potential, but lacked business experience and also did not have enough capital to hire independent external advisors. "It may also be that they want to export their products and need good advice on European product rules and regulations," he added. Visits by experts usually last between 10 to 15 working days, after which the PUM experts give entrepreneurs suggestions on what improvements they can make to their businesses.

Most often, follow-up visits are necessary, during which the PUM expert returns to evaluate how plans have been proceeding. Sometimes plans are amended, and at other times new suggestions are made instead. "PUM promotes long-standing relationships and frequent contacts between experts and clients," the organisation says. "Many PUM senior experts continue to advise their clients after their return to the Netherlands."

South African projects

PUM South Africa representative Laura van der Merwe told SAinfo that applicants for assistance would have to be small to medium-sized firms operating for at least two years, have between 10 and 1 000 employees, and have a turnover not exceeding R500-million per year. In addition, the participating client must agree to pay for the expert's accommodation and food expenses during the duration of the project, as well as for transport to and from the business premises. PUM has offered advice in a wide variety of fields, including agriculture, transportation, hospitality and tourism, education and training, mining and manufacturing, business development and related services, waste removal and corporate cleaning, and the sale and distribution of medical devices.

PUM experts oversaw a total of 56 projects in South Africa in 2007, including the following:

  • The management of a glass factory estimated that its loses in glass waste were approximately 30%, while an out-dated product range led to declining exports to neighbouring countries. Two PUM experts analysed the entire manufacturing process and trained staff in the latest glass-blowing techniques. In a follow-up visit, the experts focused on refining the company's product range, which resulted in an increase in exports.
  • A group of farmers' wives involved in agro-processing wanted their dried vegetable and soup products improved, and a PUM expert was brought in to make recommendations on improving the production process and making use of centrifuges to dry the produce. Together with the kitchen staff, a number of new products were developed, like new soup recipes, flower teas and several kinds of mixed vegetable chutneys. Staff were also trained to sell their produce to local schools as a meal soup, and to present their products on outdoor markets using the motto "From Garden to Table".
  • Since its start in 2003 as a black economic empowerment operation, a South African dairy farm and vineyard continued to book losses as both workers and management of the 116-acre farm lacked practical experience. An incoming PUM expert made recommendations regarding the reduction of feed cost, the production of own silage, better irrigation systems, pregnancy control among the herd, and breeding, all of which have been met with measurable results, including the doubling of milk production per cow.
  • A South African bulk-transport company with 40 trucks felt the need for a more professional business approach and approached a PUM expert to help. The expert made recommendations about a framework to calculate costs per kilometre, about the reduction of damages, a system for managing the trucking fleet, and also prepared a drivers' handbook.
  • A South African micro-credit organisation experienced pressures owing to their expansion into other African countries with its micro-credit products, and approached PUM to help them out. To confront the growing pains experiences, two PUM experts first examined the organisation, and then proposed various changes to the management, as well as suggesting changes to streamline both lending operations and company management.

Local small and medium sized enterprises that want more information on the PUM initiative, and to find out whether they can qualify for assistance from the organisation, can contact PUM South Africa representative Laura Van der Merwe at 011 674 2854, 0834275151

WITSA Announces Creation of Green ICT Forum

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia –   On the third day of its World Congress on Information Technology, the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) announced the formation of a Green ICT Forum. Its program will promote:
  • Ideas for the use of ICT to tackle global environmental challenges
  • A Green Code of Conduct for the ICT sector.
  • Best practices in improving the energy efficiency of the ICT sectors' products and services
  • Ways that ICT products and services can be used to reduce global energy consumption
  • Best practices in reducing the impact of e-waste
WITSA invites governments, companies and other NGOs to work with us to meet the program's goals. Founding WITSA members include the national ICT associations from Australia, Canada, Egypt, Finland, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Syria, United Kingdom and United States. The Forum will initially be chaired by Mr. John Higgins, Director General of Intellect, the WITSA member from the UK. “Leading companies in the ICT sector have made real progress in reducing their energy impact, but more needs to be done, especially as the demand for ICT grows”, said Mr. Higgins. “More importantly, though, ICT has to be a major tool in helping consumers and other business sectors reduce their carbon footprint”.

The World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) is a consortium of nearly 70 information technology (IT) industry associations from economies around the world. WITSA members represent over 90 percent of the world IT market. As the global voice of the IT industry, WITSA is dedicated to advocating policies that advance the industry's growth and development; facilitating international trade and investment in IT products and services; strengthening WITSA's national industry associations through the sharing of knowledge, experience, and critical information; providing members with a vast network of contacts in nearly every geographic region of the world; hosting the World Congress on IT, the premier industry sponsored global IT event; hosting the Global Public Policy Conference; and hosting the Global Information Security Summit.


 

Did you know
 

South Africa was the first in the world to enable the online transfer of funds from mortgage bonds, using clients' homes as collateral?

ICTE in South Africa

The country's business environment boasts a plethora of qualities that makes it a significant force in the international ICTE arena. While South Africa remains part of the ICTE mainstream, applying the world's best technology and keeping pace with progress in the industry, the country simultaneously adapts and applies these technologies to the local market. When necessary resources are unavailable, South Africans create their own, giving the local industry the capacity to handle complex projects and outsource internally. ICTE pioneering manifests itself most significantly: MTN has pioneered many innovations in the cellular and technology industry and was the first to launch pre-paid cellular in South Africa offering customers a cellular service with no contracts and no credit checks. MTN was also first to provide an SMS service as a transmission medium for tracking operations (telemetry) and, more recently, was the first to showcase mobile coin-less vending, where instant verification via cellular phone results in the dispensing of consumer goods.

  Standard Bank was the first in the world to enable the online transfer of funds from mortgage bonds, using clients' homes as collateral. The bank was also one of the first two in the world to link mainframe computers in disparate sites, allowing customers nationwide access to their cheque accounts. Anglo Platinum, the world's leading primary producer of platinum group metals, was the first organisation worldwide to implement a full-scale SAP production environment running Windows NT. Appropriately, Anglo Platinum achieved this world first with the help of its IT services partner, SAVANT founding partner EDS South Africa.

United Building Society (now Absa) was the first to use IMS Fastpath, simplifying banking transactions and processing a record number of transactions per second. Following this, Absa Bank was among the first three institutions in the world to run an IBM Sysplex using IMS Fastpath. Multichoice was the first company in the world to broadcast digital television using MPEG2 and DVB standards with an integrated conditional access system. This company was, incidentally, the second in the world to launch satellite TV. Volkskas (now Absa) was the first bank in the world to implement remote network management to stabilise its network and obtain predictable response times, and Allied (now Absa) was one of the first institutions in the world to use FBSS for teller transactions in an IMS environment. Telkom played a leading role in the SAT3/West Africa Submarine Cable (WASC)/Southern Africa Far East (SAFE) submarine cable system initiative, which is an historic achievement made possible by the participation of 36 telecommunication operators from 31 countries, the majority of which are African states. This international connectivity strategy is strengthened through Telkom's estimated US$85- million investment in the cable system. Not only does this initiative support the continent's growing telecommunications needs and cheaper international connectivity, it will also plough much of its generated revenue back into Africa.

This impressive list of breakthroughs supports the contention that South Africa is an international ICTE destination.

 
 

THE SAVANT STORY
SAVANT: Taking South African ICT innovation to the world

An initiative of the South African government's Department of Trade and Industry, SAVANT is a marketing and communications programme which is geared to provide a window into the capabilities of the information and telecommunications (ICT) and electronics industries of the country. These industries have demonstrated through many successes their ability to innovate and find unique solutions to the challenges faced by business and society today – in South Africa or across the world.

Initiated in 2001, SAVANT initially set out to showcase the products and solutions that the ICT and Electronics industries in the country are capable of producing, the initiative has subsequently grown to provide a full range of resources to anyone around the world who may be interested in the sector. It is therefore also an ideal platform for these sectors to promote their products and services both to the domestic as well as international markets. SAVANT has also served to improve information sharing and dissemination between government departments. Strong links have been formed between the various government agencies, associations and academic institutions. As a result, access to current developments and available expertise within the sector is greatly accelerated.

The objective of the SAVANT programme are driven by a commitment from the DTI to support the growth of the South African ICT and Electronics sectors by providing these industries with a global voice. In so doing, it seeks to promote export opportunities and foster international trade, promote investment opportunity and establish an information portal which spans the private and public sector.

As a result, in addition to the publication of a regular newsletter which is distributed around the globe, SAVANT offers a website www.savant.co.za which serves as a complete resource for any interested person. On this site, visitors can access

  • Sub-sector research
  • Business directory
  • Tender notification
  • Newsletters
  • B@B matchmaking
  • Trade related events
  • Specialised sub-sector information

Information exchange the lifeblood of trade

It is perhaps appropriate that the ICT and electronics industries have as a core goal the more effective exchange of information. Recognising the essential role of communication to create and identify opportunities and subsequently to foster trade, the DTI leverages its Foreign Economic Representative Network which spans 36 strategic markets worldwide to achieve significant impact with SAVANT. The programme therefore serves as the mechanism through which potential partners and customers are alerted to the capability of these key South African industries. SAVANT provides a complete window into the latest on capability, innovation and development coming out of South Africa. As a result, the DTI invites you to visit the site regularly to keep abreast of all these essential industries have to offer. Access is free, while all industry sector players are encouraged to make use of this valuable marketing platform. Companies seeking to showcase their offerings can register their details and offerings on the SAVANT website, at no charge.

For further information please contact:
Nadia Nortje
Assistant Director - Electrotechnical Unit, Enterprise & Industry Development Division
Tel +27 12 394 1114
nnortje@thedti.gov.za

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PAG NEWS


ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2008

The South African Payroll Association is pleased to invite you to their annual conference where you can discuss relevant payroll topics, interact with leading recognized experts and engage with others working in your industry.

Presented in this conference:
The South African Payroll Association delivers a top caliber list of topics of interest and the very best of the best to present these issues.

  • A Tax update from Steve Krause of Krause and Associates, also a director of SAPA
  • The Conductor on how to orchestrate the Payroll office.
  • Sheila Leyde and Lavine Haripersad, SAPA Directors, telling us more about best payroll practice
  • Samantha Layton-Matthews of Layton Matthews Consulting to update us on the latest happenings regarding payroll qualifications
  • A member of Services SETA to discuss how payroll bursaries work
  • Rene Richter of the South African Rewards Association
  • Hayden Kelly, Head of Corporate Schemes at Momentum, will update you regarding what to expect from Medical funds in the near future.
  • Dawie Crous of the South African Childrens Charity Trust (SACCT) to up date us on the success of this program, initiated through SAPA in 2006.

Date:   11th September Ballroom Montecasino.

For further information or to register
Tel:+27 11 433 2977
Or register on line at www.sapayroll.co.za

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