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10 November 2008

On 12 November 2008, the Premier of Limpopo, Mr Sello Moloto will confer certificates to fifty young graduates who successfully completed training in end-user computing and technical support on National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 3 and 4 through Information Systems Electronic Telecommunication and Technology - Sector Education Training Authority (ISETT SETA). The graduates have undergone extensive year long training that has equipped them with scarce information communication and technology (ICT) skills. The graduation ceremony will also be graced by twelve young post-graduate scholars who have just completed their studies in India in world class software engineering techniques and methodologies.

When remarking about this achievement, Premier Sello Moloto said, "It is befitting to honour the graduates because in our State of the Province address early this year, we mentioned that they are undergoing training. So, we believe that they will be a shining example to others who are still undergoing the same training in Vhembe, Mopani and Greater Sekhukhune district as a result of governments' expansion of the I-Community programme to other parts of our province.

"Furthermore, we like to express our heartfelt gratitude to both public and private sector institutions such as ISETT SETA and Dimension Data that partnered with us to address the ICT skills development needs in the province. We also like to convey our appreciation to Satyam Computer Service in India for providing tutelage to some of our youth in world class software engineering techniques and methodologies and the government of Republic of Finland for donating substantially towards the development of information society in the province."

The graduation ceremony will be attended by among others Premier Sello Moloto, the Minister of Department of Communications (DoC), Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, the Ambassador of Finland, His Excellency, Mr Heikki Tuunanen, the High Commissioner of India, His Excellency Mr Rajiv Kumar Bhatia, the Acting CEO of Information Systems Electronics and Telecommunication Technologies (ISETT) Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) and partners, Mr Charlton Philiso and the General Manager of Dimension Data, Mr Cecil Thokoana.

The young people of Limpopo are encouraged to seize ICT skills training opportunities when government presents them in the quest for enhancing the ICT skills base of the province. Ordinarily, ICT skills training are offered free of charge and beneficiaries are paid a stipend during their year long training. After qualifying, they are placed in government's service delivery institutions such as municipalities, hospitals and tribal authority offices to gain experience.

"Government is committed to equip young people with the requisite ICT skills so that they can participate productively in developing the economy of the province. The ICT skills development programme is one of government's initiatives to empower young people in general and those in the rural areas in particular. This involves enhancing efforts to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities. We would like to make a special appeal to communities in our province to partner with government to safeguard the ICT centres against vandals and criminals" said Tebatso Mabitsela."

The Premier of Limpopo, Mr Sello Moloto invites members of the media to the graduation ceremony which is scheduled as follows:

Venue: The Ranch Hotel
Date: 12 November 2008
Starting time: 14h30

* Meanwhile, on 13 November 2008, the Minister of Department of Communication, Dr Matsepe-Casaburri will attend the Information Society and Development (ISAD) Intergovernmental Relations Forum in the province. The MECs for Health and for Economic development from the other provinces will form part of delegates that will attend the forum that will be a closed session. Subsequently, the minister and the premier will address a press briefing on matters that include South African television broadcasting digital migration and progress in developing ICT infrastructure for the 2010 public viewing areas.

The Minister of Department of Communication, Dr Matsepe-Casaburri invites members of the media to a media briefing scheduled as follows:

Venue: The Ranch Hotel
Date: 13 November 2008
Starting time: 14h30

Enquiries:
Tebatso Mabitsela
Tel: 015 287 6080
Cell: 072 263 0563

Issued by: Limpopo Provincial Government
10 November 2008
Source: Limpopo Provincial Government (http://www.limpopo.gov.za)