JCSE signs MOU with the Smart Xchange
The JCSE has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the SmartXchange, a Durban-based public-private sector initiative that was established to develop a business base for the ICT sector in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
18 March 2009
The MOU, which went into effect in February, will see representatives of the two institutions attend each other's meetings and events, says JCSE director Barry Dwolatzky. "We will also participate in their Smart City conference, and liaise in terms of the JCSE/ITWeb's skills survey," he says.
Dwolatzky notes that the JCSE and the Smart Xchange have collaborated for some time. However, the relationship was not formalised through an agreement defining the terms of reference.
It is hoped that the agreement will expand the scope of both organisations, allowing them to have a national reach from their respective cities, and to target new audiences through mutual activities. The organisations will also share insights and expertise gained through their individual activities.
The MOU with the Smart Xchange is part of the JCSE's move to form strong strategic partnerships that will assist in growing South Africa's capacity to deliver world class software, Dwolatzky says.
The JCSE aims to meet this goal by developing research and training initiatives that strengthen the local software development industry. Activities include courses to industry, hosting laboratories, breakfasts and forums, as well as housing start-up companies in its pre-incubator initiative.
Robynne Erwin, director of the Smart Xchange, says that the core mandate of the Smart Xchange is to develop a base of quality small, medium and micro ICT enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal by providing incubation and support and promote the region as an African ICT hub.
The Smart Xchange also aims to play a role in ICT skills development and supporting initiatives that work to bridge the digital divide, she says.
"The initial focus of the Smart Xchange has been in Durban and the surrounding province, however, it is anticipated that the model will be replicable to any other part of the country," she adds.
The Partner Programme
Dwolatzky notes that the JCSE continued to look for new members for its Partner Programme.
New partners would ideally be able to partner with the JCSE to grow the software development sector into the future, and also derive benefit from being involved in the JCSE.
The benefits of partnering with the JCSE include an association with the JCSE and its objectives in events run by the JCSE and third parties, promotion of this association with the JCSE in the press and the development of best practices in the partner's software engineering workforce through training, master classes and user groups.
The JCSE also provides its partners with access to local and international software development expertise as well as support of the partner's Black Economic Empowerment skills development/business development initiatives.