Zweli Mokgata

Zweli Mokgata

Information and communications technology (ICT) group T-Systems on Friday launched Tirisano-Mogo, the first black women empowered company in the network and security sub-sector.

"I don't have to tell you about the skills shortage in South Africa," said T-Systems chief executive Mardia van der Walt-Korsten.

"We are trying to bring ICT skills on an international level back into South Africa.

"From the start, we have set out to participate in the transformation of this country and the broader ICT industry and to create a sustainable economy for ourselves and those around us," she said.

Tirisano-Mogo was started in conjunction with free-to-the-student institution Cida City campus as part of the ICT company's enterprise development programme. T-Systems is currently the service provider to Cida and facilitates the ICT Academy, which runs concurrently with the normal Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree.

Tirisano-Mogo chef executive Melanie Chetty said: "We want to build our brand presence and credibility as the first black women empowered company in a technology-driven industry. We are going to move beyond simply being a black empowerment company to being seen as a company that adds value and can make a difference."

Tirisano-Mogo currently has a 70percent black economic empowerment shareholding, of which 30percent has been allocated to black employees who are all former Cida students. "We are proud of our heritage and will continue to grow our business and provide opportunities for other previously disadvantaged individuals in this highly competitive industry," added Chetty.