In a glittering event held at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, more than 42 outstanding students and lecturers associated with the Huawei ICT Academy programme in South Africa were celebrated for their exceptional achievements in 2023.
The annual Huawei ICT Academy Awards Ceremony not only acknowledged top performers but also highlighted the transformative impact of ICT education in narrowing the digital divide.
The accolades were not just limited to individuals; the top performing academies for 2023 were also recognized. Majuba TVET College (Kwa Zulu-Natal), Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of Venda, Walter Sisulu University, and Durban University of Technology emerged as the leading institutions. Winning students and lecturers from these institutions were rewarded with incentive prizes and certificates.
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Transformative Power of ICT Education
The ceremony underscored the pivotal role of ICT education in shaping the future. Kian Chen, Deputy CEO of Huawei South Africa, reflected on the significant impact the Huawei ICT Academy has had since its inception in 2017. Huawei has partnered with 71 academic institutions across all 9 provinces, reaching over 100,000 students. Chen proudly stated, “More than 11,000 students have participated in the Huawei ICT certification training, with over 2,000 successfully obtaining the globally recognized Huawei Certified ICT Associate (HCIA) accreditation.”
Chen congratulated the 2023 awardees, acknowledging their contribution to improving the Academy’s national pass rate. He highlighted that, through the ICT Academy job fair, more than 286 graduates have secured jobs at Huawei and its channel partners, showcasing the practical impact of the program on employment.
Mr. Zamokwakhe Khuzwayo, CEO of the National Skills Authority under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), described the event as a significant milestone in South Africa’s digital transformation journey. He emphasized the department’s commitment to developing a skilled and capable workforce, stating, “The Huawei ICT Talent Development Annual Awards Ceremony is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our newly registered ICT Academies.”
Building a Future in Digital Innovation
Khuzwayo urged continued investment in youth, providing them with the skills to thrive in the digital era. He envisioned a future where South Africa leads in technological advancements, driving innovation and shaping the world.
Waldon Hendricks, Head of ICT Special Programmes at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, highlighted the significant contributions of Huawei to their academy. This included the donation of routers and switches, access to industry-specific curricula, cutting-edge technologies, and globally recognized certifications. Hendricks, accepting the Excellent ICT Academy Award for 2023, emphasized the collaborative and innovative community built through the partnership.
The Huawei ICT Academy programme extends beyond conventional education. The Huawei ICT Competition provides students with opportunities to showcase their skills on national, regional, and global stages. Kgotalang Legoete, a finalist in the South African Huawei ICT Competition, expressed the competition’s profound impact on her professional journey, calling it a “launch pad for the future.”
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Looking Ahead: Huawei ICT Academy Programme in 2024
The Huawei ICT Academy programme is set to kick off in 2024 with the regional finals of the ICT competition. Twenty-one South African students in seven teams will compete with other African countries to secure a place in the global finals in China. Student registrations for the ICT Academy programme will commence in late February, providing interested students with an opportunity to explore the world of ICT education.
In conclusion, the Huawei ICT Academy Awards Ceremony not only celebrated achievements but also showcased the collaborative efforts of academia, industry, and government in nurturing ICT talent in South Africa. It serves as a beacon for the future, pointing towards a digitally empowered nation leading the way in technological advancements.