Search for IT investors
THE Limpopo government is seeking partners to invest in and develop its Information Technology sector, which even in Africa's most developed economy is struggling to develop.
The need for a Small Medium Micro Enterprise (SMME) has put challenges on the table, highlighting the essential role played by technology in the development of rural and global trade.
Head of ICT in government, Reuben Rammbuda, said the development of a broadband network was still low in the province and that they were lobbying entrepreneurs to play their part.
Rammbuda was addressing IT experts and business leaders in Polokwane at an event organised by Libsa, a government organ tasked with the development of SMMEs.
"Broadband roll-out is needed in rural areas to allow accessibility and affordability," Rammbuda said.
The reason for the province still struggling to play a competitive role in the ICT sector is that Limpopo is 80 percent rural, which means it is among the least urbanised provinces in the land.
Rammbuda said the dream could be achieved only if partners and entrepreneurs come on board.
In its effort to champion the development, the government has already initiated an ICT institute that will train entrepreneurs.
Sowetan understands that a lack of sustainable investment in ICT has contributed to high payments for phone and Internet users.
Recently the Limpopo government failed to sustain a R30million ICT investment channeled to Bokone Telecoms - a project that failed before it could see the light, with its devices left gathering dust.
But if investors were to come on board a thorough market analysis is needed to build up and save consumers.
Experts have agreed that the province is still largely dependent on skills from outside to address the technical problem faced by users.
Libsa chief executive Reggy Mpe told delegates that information technology is a solution to the development of the economy: "It is the driving force of SMME."
Mash
hehehe hahaha, i dont believe this. Am one of the highly skilled individual from Limpopo residing in Gauteng. I went to Limpopo several times to present my ideas on how to improve the ICT Infrastructrue and skills in our rurals of Limpopo and up to date nothing. Its all about meeting after meeting. Nothing materialised, maybe is because i dont have any political party membership? How knowsReport Abuse
Mash
hehehe hahaha, i dont believe this. Am one of the highly skilled individual from Limpopo residing in Gauteng. I went to Limpopo several times to present my ideas on how to improve the ICT Infrastructrue and skills in our rurals of Limpopo and up to date nothing. Its all about meeting after meeting. Nothing materialised, maybe is because i dont have any political party membership? Who knowsReport Abuse