Deputy Minister of Economic Development Hlengiwe Mkhize has told delegates attending the Innovation Africa Summit in Cape Town that the information and communication technology (ICT) sector is one of the most important economic growth drivers that will enable us to create much needed jobs in our country.
The Summit which started yesterday (5 October) at the Westin Hotel, brings together key players from governments from different African countries, and the private sector, to explore new ideas that will ensure development in education, research and ICT.
Deputy Minister Mkhize, says leaders in education have to have a deeper understanding of the ultimate skills needs of the employment sector, so as to assist them to make sure they produce the relevant and required skills. In addition she says: “The departments of education should ensure that computer skills are taught in all secondary schools and form part of the standard adult basic education and training (ABET) curriculum by 2015. All public servants should also receive ICT training. Achieving this aim urgently requires a plan to train educators, access relevant teaching skills elsewhere and establish computer centres for learners and communities.”
This she says this will contribute significantly in our ensuring that we reach our goals set in the New Growth Path of creating of creating 5 million jobs by 2020.
The New Growth Path is an economic policy framework launched in 2010, which is aimed at assisting the government, to address problems of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
In her remarks, the Deputy Minister emphasised that our strategy for economic growth acknowledges the significance of a knowledge-based society, which will allow us to adapt to changing conditions and design solutions that will enhance the competitiveness and growth potential of developing economies.
For more information please contact:
Phumzile Kotane
Cell: 071 472 6978
E-mail: pkotane@economic.gov.za
