Africa should be given a chance to establish itself in key areas, especially its own ICT industries, this is according to Gift Buthelezi, Deputy Director General for ICT International Affairs and Trade in the Department of Communications.
Quizzed on his expectations of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, he says in terms of the role that South Africa plays in international communications, the African Union as well as in the African Telecommunications Union, the country should be a leader in all forms of media and development, both in broadcast telecommunications and postal matters.
Buthelezi adds: “We are aware that we don’t manufacture electronic products and are always under-rated in global ratings for whatever reasons. We have a burden and major responsibility to carry at the Southern African Development Community level to create more skills as we have a higher rate of youth unemployment. From where we stand in ICT, it’s an area we attract a lot of young people to establish ourselves and our own industries.”
According to renowned singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka, also president of the Princess of Africa Foundation and member for Global Agenda Council for WEF, “This forum has been taking place for too long, it’s important that this time they keep the promise and do what they are supposed to be doing for Africa. She adds: “Africa isn’t a dark continent like it’s perceived, it’s a great continent with great resources, all we need is great leaders, which we have, and political will.”
What others’ expectations are on WEF Africa 2013:
“I’m quiet thrilled about the Nigerian state visit, though it’s a separate visit, the issues will be similar. Africa as an emerging market, particularly SA being the most developed of those on the continent, I’m curious and interested in what other countries would be doing,” says Gugu Msibi, Senior Partner, Ernst & Young.
Lorato Mokone, Botswana Investment Analyst: “I expect a lot of networking, learning, a lot of taking media perspective in terms of where they see Africa going, 2013 going forward.”
Meanwhile, more than 1 000 delegates have been registered for the event, the highest number for Africa thus far. The WEF media office confirms that all is on track for the event to get underway tomorrow, with 15 heads of state attending. Despite the unprecedented number of registrations, it’s all systems go. President Jacob Zuma’s involvement in the plenary tomorrow is expected to be the key focus.
– By Tshepo Tsheole, Cape Town
