Huawei South Africa has launched a free 5G training course for ICT postgraduates at two Gauteng universities, with plans to expand the programme across the country.
The inaugural event kicked off at WITS University in Johannesburg and at the University of Pretoria this week. The course is part of Huawei’s ICT Talent Ecosystem Program which aims to grow and support ICT skills training and skills transfer in South Africa, especially in the latest technologies of 5G, Artificial Intelligence and Cloud and Data Services.
5G is seen as the key technology of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), which is changing the way we live, work, play and consume services. The 4IR is a key focus for the future growth and development of South Africa’s economy.
Huawei Deputy CEO Kian Chen says research shows that 70% of all jobs are forecast to have an ICT component by 2020.
“As South Africa moves into the 4IR, no one must be left behind. Most of the future applications in 4IR era will run in a 5G network and environment. That is why it is our privilege to start this 5G skills transfer in South Africa, and we are glad to partner with WITS and UP to have South Africa’s first 5G training for ICT students,” says Chen.
Speaking at the WITS launching ceremony, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Zeblon Vilakazi emphasised that as we move into the 4IR; skills and knowledge, innovation and creativity would be the cornerstones for development.
He added that WITS encouraged partnerships like the one with Huawei. “I would like to acknowledge the leadership of Huawei South Africa for their vision in planning, not just for the balance sheet and the bottom line, but also for the development and growth of human capital. This is an investment in the future and we are very happy to be associated with this 5G training programme.”
“We believe that South Africa’s young talents have the potential to mature into world-class experts. By enhancing industry-academic cooperation, we, as an international ICT Company, hope to make our contribution to achieving of the country’s development goals,” concludes Chen.
good bless this chinese company we africans love you.