The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Ms Elizabeth Thabethe has pledged to assist two Indian technology companies to expand their operations into South Africa in order to assist with skills development, employment creation and technological development.
Thabethe was speaking during the tour of two special economic zones in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu where Infosys and Cognizant, two of India's leading global technology companies are situated. The tour was part of the five-day international Investment and Trade Initiative (ITI) that began with a business seminar in Chennai, southern India, yesterday. Thabethe is accompanied by 45 South African business people.
"I was greatly impressed and inspired by the successes attained by Infosys and Cognizant in creating employment, skills development and innovation in rural part of India. If one company can create 16 000 jobs in one area alone through the provision of technology solutions as Infosys does, I cannot imagine what positive impact such an initiative can make in South Africa in terms of dealing with the challenge of unemployment. These are best practices that we should emulate back home," said Thabethe.
She added skills development had been identified by the current administration in South Africa as a nationality priority and invited pledged to assist Infosys establish operations in South Africa. In his response Infosys Senior Engagement Manager, Mr Abhimanyu Sinha indicated that his company was in the process of expanding their operations in South Africa and would appreciate collaboration with and support from the South African government in empowering deserving students in the country through training. The South African Consular-General in India, Mr Pule Malefane also pledged government support for Indian companies willing to invest in South Africa.
Mr Elliot Mbiko, Manager at Gauteng Economic Development Agency (GEDA) also vowed that his institution will definitely assist Infosys in whatever possible way to set up a facility in Gauteng. Infosys appreciated the service which would be offered by GEDA in facilitation of their investment in Gauteng.
"This is in line with the mandate of GEDA to recruit foreign direct investment into Gauteng province and create employment opportunities, amongst others," said Mbiko, who is part of the South African delegation which on the ITI.
Thabethe’s day started with a meeting she chaired between the businesswomen in the South African delegation and their Indian counterparts belonging to the Tamil Nadu Corporation for the Development of Women. Members of the group are rural based and illiterate but are successful businesswomen specialising in arts and crafts.
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