South Africa’s Business Process Outsourcing industry is in the running for a prestigious international award.
Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, said South Africa was shortlisted in the 2014 European Outsourcing Association (EOA) Offshoring Destination of the Year Award.
South Africa also won the award last year.
Minister Winde said the nomination was recognition for the local industry’s continuous efforts to be the leading offshoring destination in the world. BPO is one of the Western Cape’s growth sectors and is worth an estimated R8 billion.
“This sector is delivering a massive boost to growth and jobs, especially for our youth. Currently there are just over 40 000 people employed in the industry. By next year the job numbers are expected to grow to 52 245. By 2016, it’s expected the sector will employ 65 303 people,” said Minister Winde.
Minister Winde said the province already had the critical factors in place to become a leading call centre hub in that it offered exceptional services to clients at a competitive price.
“The traction we are gaining in this sector and the industry’s achievements will further position the Western Cape and South Africa as a leading call centre destination,” said Minister Winde.
Gareth Pritchard, the CEO of Business Process Enabling South Africa (BPeSA), said: “To be shortlisted for this award two years in a row is a fantastic achievement and underlines the quality of offshore service delivery taking place out of South Africa. During the last three years in particular, we have seen some major developments in the industry and I look forward to similar successes during 2014.”
The full list of shortlisted destinations:
1. Belarus
2. Bulgaria
3. Fiji
4. Portugal
5. Serbia
6. South Africa
7. Sri Lanka
The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in London in July.
For media queries, kindly contact:
Bronwynne Jooste
Spokesperson for Minister Alan Winde
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 082 454 4365
E-mail: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
