from NJABULO BUTHELEZI in Durban
DURBAN – YOUTHS in Durban have received a major boost with the opening of a technology hub in the coastal city.

The hub opened by Old Mutual Limited (OML) will provide local information technology (IT) talent with opportunities to work and build careers.

OML said this facility was inspired by a commitment to remaining an employer of choice among technology talent and delivering on its corporate 2030 service strategy.

One of the cornerstones of the strategy is to drive a new skills and talent revolution in Africa

“In a post-pandemic world, African techies are working remotely for companies worldwide,” said Zureida Ebrahim – Chief Operating Officer at Old Mutual Group.

“For institutions like Old Mutual, the implications are increasing competition for talent and rising costs. Countering this trend means focusing attention locally and building staff models based on the strategic locations available locally and assessing demand and supply for skills.”

Ebrahim said OML’s focus is on attracting and retaining South Africa’s top tech talent for the benefit of the entity and the country’s economy in general.

At the OML Tech Hub, a team of experts led by a Global Technology Hub Executive will mentor the youths.

“Durban has a good pool of tech skills available for the required demand,” said May Govender, Acting Chief Information Officer at Old Mutual Group.

“It is also home to the country’s top technology tertiary institutions and is a chosen location for some large tech companies,” Govender added.

Old Mutual has partnered with four of the leading tech institutions in KwaZulu-Natal, two of which are ranked in the top five in South Africa.

The OML Tech Hub has a staff complement of over 40, composed of Software Engineers, Info sec and Data skills, among others.

It is envisaged that this staff complement will grow to over 100 in 2024.

– CAJ News