JOHANNESBURG – THE City of Johannesburg’s 2040 Growth and Development Strategy, which aims to create a smart city and enhance employment opportunities for the youth, has received a major boost following a collaboration between the metropolis and a multinational
software and technology solutions provider.

The partnership with Systems Applications Products (SAP) Africa, under its Skills for Africa Programme, has culminated in 30 young and talented Johannesburg residents attending an intensive months-long skills development training course.

The SAP Skills for Africa is a job-creation initiative to train young, unemployed graduates in relevant SAP topics – including financials, business intelligence and human resources- and place them on the path to a lucrative SAP career.

It focuses on driving innovation and entrepreneurship through critical thinking, preparing students for employment, and empowering them to significantly participate in the mainstream of the information,
communication and technology (ICT) sector and the burgeoning economy.

After successfully completing the course, the students will be issued with internally recognised certificates and placed on internships at a number of SAP partners and customers involved in the initiative, including the City of Johannesburg and its departments and entities.

The South African chapter of the SAP Skills for Africa is ongoing in Johannesburg.

“The students have been very positive and grateful for being given such an opportunity,” said Meena Confait, Manager of Strategic Programmes: Skills for Africa (SAP Africa Region).

“They are very eager and have the right attitude and drive to continue with the training.

“City of Johannesburg has been very supportive to ensure the training facilities and infrastructure is conducive to a positive learning environment for these students as they work their way through the next 10-12 weeks,” added Confait.

The official explained how the students will benefit from the initiative.