SAP Africa’s partners, customers and executives gathered at Eskom’s Megawatt Park in Sandton for the SAP Skills for Africa graduation ceremony.
SAP is a software company with branches around South Africa and the ceremony celebrated the completion of an intense three-month digital skills training programme by students.
Ebrahim Laher, managing director at EOH SAP, a partner of SAP, said, “In Africa, our youth have limited opportunities to better themselves and the only way up is through education and employment. As we know millions of South Africans and people across the continent are unemployed… Digital skills are critical precursors to the growth of developing economies and I am incredibly excited to be here today as we take the next step forward.”
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The job creation initiative, which forms part of the programme, provides sustainable jobs to alleviate Africa’s unemployment crisis and included SAP partners and customers such as Eskom.
Lawrence Kandaswami, managing director for SAP South Africa said, “Seven of the 10 fastest-growing economies are on the African continent. By 2020, 80 per cent of jobs is expected to come from the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) field.”
Adding to Kandaswami’s comment, Elsie Pule, HR group executive of Eskom said Africa had the fastest growing working-age population and the challenges facing even the most motivated youth were formidable. “In South Africa, digital education is not accessible for all and we are extremely proud to play an integral role.”
Kandaswami applauded all involved for their commitment to the programme and concluded that the company was dedicated to digitising Africa. “It is a privilege to congratulate these 101 students who displayed tenacity, dedication and commitment throughout their training programme. We wish you all success in the journey ahead.”
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