The Huawei ICT Academy Instructors’ Summit 2024, held at Huawei’s Johannesburg campus on August 16, brought together top instructors from South Africa’s tertiary institutions, leaders from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), and Huawei executives. The summit focused on advancing skills in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and updating curricula to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies.
Collaboration to update TVET curriculum
A significant milestone was reached with the signing of an agreement between Huawei, the DHET, and the Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology. This partnership aims to transform the curriculum at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges across South Africa. According to Kemogotsitse Bosielo, Public Relations Manager for Government Affairs at Huawei South Africa, “This is a landmark achievement where these parties will update and enhance the ICT curriculum within TVET colleges, so classroom teachings remain relevant as 4IR technologies continue to develop.”
The summit also highlighted the success of Huawei’s ICT training initiatives, which have established ICT Academies in 48 out of 50 TVET colleges and 76 institutions nationwide. These academies have been instrumental in providing students with skills crucial for the rapidly changing ICT landscape.
Impact on South African education and economy
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Buthi Manamela, praised the long-standing partnership between the DHET and Huawei, which has been ongoing since 2016. He emphasized the importance of programs like the Huawei ICT Academy in achieving the DHET’s target of equipping 2.6 million students with critical skills by 2030. “We really appreciate the partnership that we continue to enjoy with Huawei South Africa. It is a partnership that is based on practical programs that impact the economy of our country but also our skills development agenda,” said Manamela.
He also underscored the role of instructors in shaping the future of education in South Africa, stating that their knowledge is essential for preparing students to thrive in a 4IR-driven world.
Discussion on the future of education
The event concluded with a roundtable discussion led by Charles Cheng, Deputy CEO of Huawei South Africa. The discussion explored how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things, are reshaping the higher education sector. Cheng highlighted the broader impact of the Huawei ICT Academy, noting, “More important than the public praise, are the jobs we have helped created and the entrepreneurial growth we have been able to support through our programs.”
With over 2,600 Huawei ICT Academies established globally, producing over 11,000 certified instructors and training more than 200,000 students, the summit underscored the critical role of ICT education in driving South Africa’s progress in the 4IR.
