In what could be a new paradigm shift, Alexandra has moved from being on the receiving end of development programmes to facilitating skills empowerment for outsiders.
This follows the hosting of a computer skills programme for ground staff of a Woodmead-based company, Systems Applications Products (SAP) at the Alexandra Development Centre, which is an information technology training centre of Siyafunda Community Centres countrywide.
Thirty-five staff members from SAP, including its ground staff and tea ladies, were empowered in a three-month IT literacy course which included computer literacy and smartphone operations and navigating between various applications.
The brainchild behind the programme, SAP’s Sipho Dube said it was ironic that SAP was an IT systems specialist whereas most of its ordinary employees on the lower ranks could hardly switch on a computer or even optimise the operation of their own smartphones.
“This gave birth to this empowerment programme,” he said, adding, “I will be disappointed if anyone of you comes to me next and says he or she cannot operate the computer, as we have invested huge sums of money in the course and we expect to reap the rewards now.”
SAP Africa managing director, Brett Parker said education and IT knowledge was an essential element in the future development of Africa. “We at SAP will continue to invest in this commodity to secure the success of our continent.”
Alexandra Development Centre’s Lefa Molefe said he hoped this programme would not be the only initiative but that the centre can look forward to hosting more such courses from the private sector, in addition to those they host from time to time for the community.
