The power to any economy, most businesses analysts and leaders will tell you, is in the development of skills in the nation’s workforce.
It is for that exact reason that the City of Johannesburg and Microsoft have joined forces and made the decision to train 1 million people in basic computer skills.
Under the partnership, 800 000 youths will be given training in Microsoft applications and basic computers skills – at no charge. The centres where people will be able to complete the basic computer training will be opened across the city, but Soweto, Roodepoort and Alexandra were specifically mentioned.
The remaining 200 000 people will be made up of people over the age of 35.
“One impediment in the job market in Johannesburg, is that many jobs don’t have the have number of candidates that match it. In today’s market, a basic requirement is that people have computer skills. As much as 50% of jobs require basic computers skills, so if you don’t have that, you are already excluded,” said Johannesburg Mayor Parks Tau.
Registration for people what want to take part will start in August, and the first courses will start in September. Exact details on how to registered will be shared very soon.
“How do we ensure that people overcome the barrier in the job market? We need to break down the barriers. We consulted with the private sector, and started conversations on the role that they can play. Microsoft is the primary service provider off basic computer apps and programmes, so it was only natural to partner with them,” explained Tau.
The announcement was attended by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Johannesburg City Library, where the Johannesburg chapter of the Massive Online Open Varsity (MOOV) is located.
“(The announcement) is a feast for the people in Johannesburg. Smart cities need to go beyond the provision of services, as it needs to improve the economic lives of people as well. This is economic democracy at work, and it opens the corridors of freedom for Johannesburg,” said Ramaphosa.
Microsoft South Africa Managing Director Zoaib Hoosen said that the partnership is part of the company’s values.
“This is at the dawning of a digital revolution, and the world needs to embrace it. We must play a role in the digital revolution by creating skills for the next generation of jobs. As mentioned, 50% of jobs already require a level of digital proficiency for basic jobs. This is how we make sure that Johannesburg becomes a true digital city,” Hoosen said.
Ramaphosa praised those involved.
“It is a smart partnership and it benefits all the partners involved. The local value chain is also being expanded. The City is run by people who have a vision, and it tells me Jozi is on the move – it is going somewhere,” Ramaphosa concluded.
[Image – Charlie Fripp]
