| Cisco celebrates a decade of its Networking Academy programme March 6, 2007 JOHANNESBURG - Cisco, the world's biggest maker of computer networking solutions and internet protocol (IP) technologies that transform communities, is commemorating ten years of ICT skills development through the Cisco Networking Academy programme. With over 5000 students having graduated in South Africa alone, the programme is geared towards fast tracking the development of critical networking skills, which are needed to support the growth of the economy. Addressing the Networking Academy conference held at the University of Pretoria yesterday, Minister of Education, Naledi Pandor, commended the programme for its positive impact over the last ten years. “I am happy to learn about the depth, breadth and commitment of the Networking Academy programme and Cisco’s involvement in South African transformation. The availability of skills, especially in the ICT sector, is a basic component of future prosperity. The Cisco Networking Academy programme will assist government in pushing more and more young people into the exciting field of information technology,” said the minister. The minister added that the Department of Education is looking forward to working closely with Cisco in future, saying that it was through information sharing and accessibility that communities became empowered. “The more we all have direct access to knowledge, the better our lives will be,” said Pandor. A recent study on the skills shortage, commissioned by Cisco in conjunction with the IDC (International Data Corporation) research and analysis firm, highlights that unless the networking skills shortage is addressed urgently, by 2009 demand for networking skills in South Africa will exceed supply by 24 percent. This will lead to a shortage of more than 113,900 skilled people, which would severely hinder economic growth. Commenting on the role that networking technology plays in supporting the growth of the economy, Alfie Hamid, Cisco Networking Academy programme manager says, “Given the fact that South Africa has consistently maintained GDP growth levels of four to five percent, ongoing economic expansion in South Africa will fuel the demand for advanced ICT technologies.” Building on the comments made by the minister, Hamid refers to a quote made by Cisco’s president and CEO, John Chambers. “The Internet and education are the two great equalisers in life, levelling the playing field for people, companies and countries worldwide.” Hamid adds, “Being an emerging market, South Africa is currently investing in an infrastructure build-out phase, geared towards capacity building for 2010 and beyond. Given the fact that government has outlined the ICT sector as a critical enabler to deliver on the ASGISA initiative, fast tracking the development of relevant skills has become a focus for Cisco.” To date, Cisco has invested over $150-million US dollars into the Networking Academy programme globally. The South African office has facilitated the sustainable opening of 38 Networking Academies across the country, through the donation of networking equipment, e-learning curricula and training for instructors. “The Networking Academy programme provides an excellent model for successful public-private partnerships between business, government and educational institutions, as it enables the right skills to get out to the market quickly and cost effectively,” concludes Hamid. -ENDS- About Cisco Systems About Cisco Networking Academy programme The Cisco Networking Academy programme is an e-learning model that delivers web-based educational content, online testing, student performance tracking, hands-on labs and instructor training and support. With a curriculum developed by education and networking experts, the Networking Academy programme is offered at technical colleges and universities around the world and demonstrates a highly successful alliance between partners as it prepares graduates for the demands and opportunities of the new economy. |