Category: Word from the President

Dear Mr Moyo

It is time once again for us to make our voice heard as the Sector on the negotiations that are taking placing. We cannot allow such critical decisions to be made without us. As the PBICT we are making our stand and requesting that the negotiators consider the views of the industry when making decisions.

The telecommunications sector in South Africa faces several significant challenges, including foreign dominance, racial disparities, and a lack of support for Black small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). The Progressive Blacks in ICT, with over 8,000 active members, has been closely monitoring the sector, especially following the 2024 elections and the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

Key points of concern and advocacy include:

1. Foreign Dominance: The sector is heavily influenced by foreign companies due to the higher importation of technology compared to exports. This limits the growth and development of local enterprises.

2. Racial and Corporate Dominance: The industry is predominantly controlled by white individuals and large corporations, further marginalizing Black SMMEs.

3. Government Initiatives: Projects like SA Connect, championed by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), have been instrumental in advancing the inclusion of Black individuals in the ICT sector. However, entities like the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) pose challenges by hindering progressive development.

4. Supportive Entities: Organizations like Broadband Infraco (BBI) and Sentech are more open to fostering an environment where Black SMMEs can thrive.

5. Political Concerns: The Progressive Blacks in ICT express concerns over the Democratic Alliance (DA) potentially controlling the telecommunications and communications departments. The DA’s stance on progressive development is seen as a threat to the inclusive future the organization advocates for.

6. Advocacy for ANC Control: The organization appeals to the African National Congress (ANC) to retain control of the DCDT to ensure an inclusive future shaped by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and other emerging technologies. They believe that the ANC’s leadership in this department is crucial for securing a future that benefits all South Africans, not just a privileged few.

The Progressive Blacks in ICT emphasizes the importance of reform and inclusive growth in the telecommunications sector, urging the ANC to maintain its influence to ensure equitable development and opportunities for all South Africans.

Thank you

Leon Rolls | President | PBICT

• Access to quality education and digital skills training for black people
• Funding and support for black-owned digital businesses
• Representation and leadership opportunities for black people in the ICT sector
• Targeted programs to address the digital divide
• Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in ICT development and deployment

1. Develop a digital skills strategy: Invest in upskilling and reskilling your workforce to meet the digital economy’s demands. This includes training in software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
2. Build strategic partnerships: Collaborate with other Black SMMEs, larger enterprises, and industry stakeholders to share resources, expertise, and risk. This will enhance your capabilities and competitiveness.
3. Focus on innovation: Develop innovative solutions and services that address specific needs in the SA Connect ecosystem. This could include IoT, AI, or other emerging technologies.
4. Ensure compliance and certification: Obtain necessary certifications and comply with relevant regulations to participate in government programs and tenders.
5. Develop a robust online presence: Establish a professional digital footprint, including a website and social media, to showcase your offerings and connect with potential clients.
6. Engage with industry associations: Join organizations like PBICT to stay informed about industry developments, best practices, and networking opportunities.
7. Access funding and support: Explore government initiatives, grants, and private sector funding opportunities to support your growth and participation in SA Connect.
8. Prioritize cybersecurity: Invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect your business and clients from the growing threat of cyberattacks.

• Access to cutting-edge technology: Black ICT SMMEs can leverage this AI assistant to enhance their services and stay competitive in the market.
• Increased efficiency: Automation and AI-powered tools can streamline processes, freeing up resources for more strategic activities.
• New business opportunities: The AI assistant’s capabilities may create new revenue streams for Black ICT SMMEs, such as content creation, data analysis, and digital marketing services.

• Job displacement: Automation may displace certain jobs, particularly those that involve repetitive tasks or data processing.
• Dependence on Meta’s ecosystem: Black ICT SMMEs may become reliant on Meta’s platforms and tools, potentially limiting their autonomy and flexibility.
• Exacerbating existing inequalities: If not managed carefully, this AI assistant may widen the gap between larger, more established companies and smaller, Black-owned businesses.

We are facing a serious state of bankruptcy as a country. Recently, SARS has started targeting SMMEs. We must play our part and ensure that we pay the tax, man.

We believe that connecting our people can crank open the digital economy, and our people will find ways of bringing money from abroad. We can pull the $6 trillion industry to South Africa. The only thing standing between us and saving grace is connectivity. Our people can not afford data and, as such, are shut out of the digital economy and its trillions of dollars.

I genuinely believe that SA Connect rolled out right with the right intention and strategy, can Crack open the pot of gold for this country. We have a golden goose, and it is SA Connect.

Let’s hope DCDCT, BBI, and Sentech are up to the challenge and that they put all differences aside, be patriotic by putting the country and its people first, and do the right thing. Get our people connected, and the rest will follow.

Only SMMEs are creating new jobs in the country today. The digital economy is the only one hiring today, and the future jobs are those crested by the digital space. Tomorrow is all about cyberspace converging into the physical. Jobs are for robots and Ai. We must accept that and start building a better world of coliving with machines and Ai. That world is tomorrow, but today, let’s get everyone and everything connected.

DCDCT, BBI, and Sentech can save the country today, and they can create the foundation for the future South Africa.

As the PBICT, we are excited to see a glimmer of hope for black SMMEs in South Africa. With SEFA now being transformed to help black SMMEs with purchase order funding, we have a fantastic opportunity to be supported in delivering our projects with a partner who cares.

This is a significant development, as it means that black SMMEs will no longer need to rely on middlemen to get access to the funding they need. This is a major step forward in the fight against corruption and gatekeeping, and it will open up a world of new possibilities for black-owned businesses.

We know that some opportunists will try to wedge themselves between us and SEFA. However, we must not fall victim to their greed. We must stand together and demand that gatekeepers fall.

This is a message for not only black SMMEs, but for all South Africans who are committed to building a more just and equitable society. We must all work together to ensure that black businesses have the support they need to succeed.

The Importance of Supporting Black SMMEs

Black SMMEs play a vital role in the South African economy. They create jobs, drive innovation, and contribute to economic growth. However, black SMMEs have historically faced significant challenges, including access to finance, mentorship, and markets.

The transformation of SEFA is a positive step towards addressing these challenges. By providing purchase order funding to black SMMEs, SEFA is helping them to overcome one of the biggest obstacles to growth.

The Benefits of SEFA’s Purchase Order Funding

SEFA’s purchase order funding provides a number of benefits to black SMMEs. First, it allows them to access the funding they need to fulfill orders, even if they do not have the upfront cash flow. Second, it helps them to build relationships with new customers. Third, it reduces their risk by providing them with a guarantee that they will be paid.

How We Can Ensure That Gatekeepers Fall

There are a number of things that we can do to ensure that gatekeepers fall and that black SMMEs have access to the support they need.

First, we must all work together to raise awareness of the challenges faced by black SMMEs and the importance of supporting them. We can do this by talking to our friends and family, sharing information on social media, and supporting black-owned businesses whenever possible.

Second, we must hold our government and businesses accountable for supporting black SMMEs. We can do this by writing to our elected representatives, attending public meetings, and boycotting businesses that do not support black SMMEs.

The PBICT honoured an invitation by ICASA to deliberate on SMME Development. It is sad today that some organisations are discussing shutting down black SMMEs operating in black areas as ISPs. We are committed to our #Internet4All programme and will not allow any bullies to shut our SMMEs down. We are calling on ICASA to use the penalties fund for bridging the digital divide by empowering our SMMEs in the telco space by funding them. No gatekeeping will stop us from connecting our people. The PBICT envisions a future where communitism is the economic model and wealth is distributed amongst all. We will not rest until such time that we have achieved total inclusivity where the majority control the economy of this Country.

The PBICT has been through the toughest time over the last two years. The spirit of our fallen Cdes can not be ignored, and their contributions must not be in vain. We reaffirm our commitment to the struggle and the fight for #Access&Ownership. Today, we go back to 2015 and remember that we said yes to the duty of furthering the progressive national democratic revolution. We identify ourselves with the leader of that revolution, the ANC unapologetic. We are facing the 4th Industrial Revolution that has cracked open the digital economy. Our people are not skilled enough to access the opportunities served on the buffet, so they are left out. Cdes, the time for talking is over. We must start doing this. We serve the people and lead the industry transformation. Let’s re-ignite the flame of PBICT so we can once again build hope to shine the light into the future of the sector in our Country. Cdes the PBICT leads the progressive agenda of the sector. Let’s act on our call to duty.