We formed the cradle of civilization and education until someone told us that our education was not good enough. Off they went with our system of education improved it a bit and came back to us with a “refined” type. This we embraced with all our might but not before the same people had given us yet another type of education coated in religion, yes with a “colorful” person being the center of that new faith. Their agenda was not totally without fault as they preached and at the same time plundered our resources. When we were so full of their “mis-education” and had “grown restless” and wise enough, we decided to take their yoke from our necks. Hence the independence of Africa and yes our beloved Zimbabwe. The process was without its deep rooted effects as the aggrieved developed a deep mistrust for the perpetrator and all things (from his backyard) western.
When a mother and father are fighting over who is better in handling the household purse, it is the children who suffer. The children are left in a situation as to how to respond to the threat of existence which fortunately or unfortunately is not of their making. In that case do you, as a child, speak out or forever hold your peace and hope that reason will prevail? Do not forget to remember that your comment might lead to either parent thinking that you have sided with the other parent to your demise. With this challenge, I choose to remember to forget and yet silently speak yet open not my mouth lest I expose my lack of wisdom as I fail to give answers to countless questions that might be thrown my way.
The good book says “my people perish because of lack of knowledge” but why KNOWLEDGE and not any other thing like the US Dollar or the powerful Cypriotic Pound or maybe the emerging Euro? Surely had it been so important to have resources GOD would have known and named such resource for the benefit of all and sundry and then the real scramble and partition would begin. Yet resource, HE named, but not in the name and form we are as yet comfortable with. That resource, embrace it or not is what rules the world and what makes others masters over their weaker brothers. If there is anything we should blame anybody for it is for our mistrust of everything that comes from our brother who was once found wanting of sleeping in the same bed as our father’s youngest wife. How can anything good come from someone who once was my hero and would protect me from all things evil but has committed so grave a sin that not even GOD can forgive his transgression against our father’s marriage bed. If anything good is to come from this brother, we would rather first take it through some meticulous verification until we half heartedly embrace it before we are drowned in our disbelief and time deals us a bad card as the idea can no longer fit in time at the time of application or implementation.
A couple of years ago, a young American man, a college dropout to be precise embarked on a life and world changing journey which led to the creation of one of the most powerful organizations on earth. Microsoft Corporation was birthed and then the games began. It is my simple premonition that more than 95% of desktop computers in Africa and the world use a Microsoft product in one way or the other. Another world event was the formation of the internet or the network of networks which culminated from a military research but has grown to be the axis on which the information age revolves around. More recently and coincidentally or otherwise, from two young men emerged yet another world shaker in the form of Google the world renowned search engine.
A few days ago the world, perhaps the rest of the world but not Africa was awash with news that Google had posted a first quarter profit of US$1,42 billion. If you still don’t get where I am going, keep reading because this is the part that thick soup is made of. Our annual budget projection as a country was around US$1,9 billion before being reduced to somewhere around US$1,2 billion for good measure, please take no offence in comparing that with the first quarter profit of one ICT organization operating through borders and space. Do not forget to remember that www.google.co.zw is now up and running from which building or part of Africa or Zimbabwe I shan’t tell. I’m not too sure if our annual sales of agricultural produce would add to US$5.68 billion the rains and irrigation being kind on us. The fast and furious conclusion that one would arrive at is that land and yes Agriculture is a useless venture, but don’t go too fast you might just get caught over speeding. We have to find ways sooner rather than later of how to make the most out of less implements, labour and costs. That ladies and gentlemen is KNOWLEDGE. With the land and knowledge we can only be unstoppable. The world is fast becoming smaller and smaller especially with the advent of Internet workable technologies such as Video conferencing, Voice over Internet Protocol, electronic mail (e-mail) and the like.
The world seems to be changing and quickly so with our brothers from the southern part of our borders having caught on to the spirit of that progression. A brother to a close friend of mine who happens to be a Water Engineer visited an irrigation based farm down south where he was ushered into a control room manned by several computers and pieces of technology controlling the farm. So precise was the irrigation system that there were no random sprinklers riotously watering all over the place but mission specific computer controlled sprinklers watering directly with needle precision on top of each plant. Now picture that, not even a drop of precious water wasted due to the convergence of ICT and Agriculture. That is KNOWLEDGE in operation. We need as a matter of urgency to converge and create a Continental and National agenda focusing on the application and preservation of our KNOWLEDGE systems with ICTs being a rallying point. How else can we preserve information from one generation to the next? We need to face our fears and relinquish our doubts. How can we stand by when our mothers and sisters are being raped and our children give themselves back into slavery? We are so hardened by work that we are hard workers first and anything else later. How else can we explain the fact that we have not embraced ICTs in their entirety yet. The argument should NEVER be whether we need an ICT Ministry that stands alone but maybe who heads such Ministry this party or that party. The work to be done in such Ministry is of paramount importance and should never be ignored if we are to raise ourselves back to the level where if we raise our hand we will be counted. Don’t you realize that the first shall be the last and the time surely has come for us to raise our flag high and be counted through the proper use of KNOWLEDGE? Do you think that it is a mistake that Zimbabweans are among the most educated breed of people in the world? It is for such a time and cause as this that we have to become the bread basket of Africa again but not with hoes and ploughshares but by harnessing Information and Communication Technologies that will do away with the ills of unproductivity such as redundancy and repetition. We need to create databases in every sphere of KNOWLEDGE such that information is not lost and forgotten through the passage of time or hidden in some books with tattered covers but on central repositories for all to access, thus ensuring that generations to come will also benefit from our KNOWLEDGE. Imagine how much cultural value and largess we lost by way of trusting The Word of Mouth as a method of data and information interchange from one generation to the other. Imagine how much time and effort goes to waste by our various students who commute to school day in day out and what benefits would accrue from Virtual schools where a class would be held on internet as though the participants where in one room. Imagine if board meetings would be held via video conferencing yes occurring in real time, how much meeting costs would be eliminated and how that would impact on productivity. Imagine a farmer in the middle of a green farm connecting onto a web site obviously with other gadgets and getting feedback on the quality of the crop and the soil ph and how to improve certain aspects of the farming process being given. Imagine a miner getting feedback from a mining repository of the quality of soil and minerals there present and how long it will take to deplete the mineral deposits at a certain rate of extraction and the like. That is exactly what ICTs can achieve for us they are not doers but enablers of the action. Imagine how you would compete with a person with such technical KNOWLEDGE and resources for the global market. I hear you scream unfair, unfair, unfair. Another argument has been presented, that of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), how will an African farmer, exclude South Africa, compete for the international market if it takes him 6 weeks to organically or naturally mature a chicken and it takes another farmer say 7 days with the use of GMO technologies? What becomes of the costs involved for the difference in maturing period and the ensuing difference in selling price? Aren’t we better focusing on how to counter the side effects if any of consuming GMO products through Research and Development enabled by ICTs rather than fighting a bigger evil than ourselves? The argument for ICTs is much bigger than what we can say to oppose and fight them. Do not forget to remember that progress has nothing to do with speed but direction, let us rethink our direction and focus once and for all not on our small picture which might not transcend borders but on Africa at large and the WORLD in general, THE WORLD OF ICT.
On vintage versus classic I wonder how I can convince my father to see that there are things in our culture, things that we have done for zions of years that we need to do differently with less effort. I weep sore for him and pray to GOD for him everyday that he will capture my spirit that I wish him no harm but that GOD would keep him in perfect health that he may continue to sit my children on his lap and give them golden wisdom, but also realize that I am now a man in his season and am a child no longer. I pray that GOD will open his eyes once more to show him that I pledge true and unwavering allegiance to him and his ideals and would never speak against him not in public let alone when I am solo in the shower or the toilet. I plead that my father would understand that every time he has spoken I have bowed my ear down to the dust of the ground and caught his spirit that never again will I allow the cows from the neighbor’s kraal to stray into our garden lest we go a hungering when they have devoured the crop. I wish that my father would give me an opportunity to also speak at the village court when he in turn is given a chance to speak by the elders that I may also open my mouth to utter one or two words of wisdom that I have gotten from him over the years. More than anything my desire is never to outshine my father but to adequately represent him at all costs given any chance to do so and elevate him by my actions for the words I will speak will not be mine but my father’s for if it were not for him I would be a vagary still under the command of a “pikaniny boss” with all the education I would have harnessed being of how to figure out the sweetest African chewing gum (dohwe) down in Chivi kuMasvingo.
“Wherefore seeing we also are encompassed with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” Hebrews 12 verse 1.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
HAS AFRICA'S & YES ZIMBABWE’S ICT RENAISSANCE BEGUN ?
“It is widely recognized that without embracing Information & Communication Technologies (ICTs), the gap between Africa and the rest of the world will continue to expand. Information and knowledge have increasingly become essential resources and raw materials in the global networked economy. Africa can exploit these technologies to become fully integrated into the global economy and accelerate socio-economic development.” 1
To put that “gap” into perspective “a meeting was held were the participants were discussing the progress that great civilizations past and present have made. They were discussing the progress we have made in the Arts, in the Sciences, in Technology. They were discussing the progress of nations and in that discussion Africa factored in and a comment was made by some specialist or the other that at the current rate of growth, development and progress of Africa, collectively, it would take Africa 250 years to be where the United States of America is today. What the statement implies is that we have a development deficit.2
In our previous edition we had a write-up by the Ministry of ICT articulating their Mission, Expected Functions, Selected KEY Activities at Level 1 and Critical Non-MICT Responsibilities at Level 2 and the Strength of The Ministry. For any meaningful progress to occur, one should understand his present location and think of an expected end which will lead to the creation of a plan of action as to how to join the two locus points. Visionaries think in reverse mode where they envision themselves at the end of the journey before they even take the first step. It needs to be understood and embraced that ICTs have to be given pole position in our National and yes Continental Vision if we endeavor to achieve growth and development as a people.
There is a shift which we must embrace at any cost or suffer serious retardation that will leave us needing deliverance from either above or our previous colonizers but unfortunately the choice of who delivers us shall not lie with us. I shudder to think the later shall ever again desire to colonize us as we will be useless to them without the correct knowledge and usage of ICTs. In simple terms the world has changed from being “Physical” Resources and or labour Driven to Information and Data Mining driven. The whole idea is that you don’t need to work hard anymore but you need to work smart. It goes without arguing that Africans are hard workers, we totally love working hard but surely by now there are some day to day processes which should take us the least amount of time and effort.2 One idea comes to mind, generally Zimbabweans eat sadza at least once a day and the amount of effort it takes in preparing such a meal is tremendous as your consumptive market grows larger, the more the consumers the more the effort. Why and how is it that we have not automated such an important task to the level that every household should utilize such technology and hence improve on productivity and time management? The thrust now is towards Information gathering and sharing. Knowledge is more powerful than a gun or any device available to man’s whims. Where do we really stand as a people as “The “digital divide” however, is still at its most extreme in Africa. In absolute terms, networked readiness is still at a very early stage of development compared to other regions of the world. Of the approximately 816 million
people in Africa in 2001, it is estimated1 that only:
one in four have a radio (200 million);
one in 13 have a television (62 million);
one in 35 have a mobile telephone (24 million);
one in 39 have a fixed line (21 million);
one in 130 have a personal computer (PC) (5.9 million);
one in 160 use the Internet (5 million);
one in 400 have pay-television (2 million).
These figures do not take into consideration the widespread sharing of media that takes place in Africa (often ten people may read the same newspaper or share an Internet account, and a whole village may use a single telephone line or crowd around a television set at night); nevertheless, it appears that sub-Saharan Africa may be slipping behind when compared to south Asia, the other least developed region.”3
“To Rwayitare, broadband, like telecoms was something we would all soon find impossible to live without. ‘We all need broadband to run a modern lifestyle. It’s essential, like water and electricity,’ Rwayitare’s plan was to deliver what he called a ‘triple play’ of services: high-speed data, voice and video to homes in South Africa using already existing electricity grid infrastructure... Voice has no more future; video is the future and for that you need a 20MB broadband line. My dream is that by 2010, South Africa will get real broadband. I am looking forward to watching Brazil (playing in the 2010 World Cup) in high-resolution broadband, which will be 40 times faster than today’s internet services. We have no legacy system to overcome in this country, so we can use the best technology on the market to make this dream come true.”4
We unfortunately cannot all be pioneers but where credit should be given we need to take not a leaf but leaves from other people’s books if we are to forge ahead and make meaningful progress. The blueprint is rightly before us but surely we have to be willing to eat of the fat of the land which by the way has seized to be the issue but how to achieve the greatest productivity from it through Knowledge based systems that work optimally. “We need to sit down and cry hard as to why we continue to be consumers of what others make while we do not even try to make something of value”5 or maybe no value but which the world will consume like one of the most popular products ever made which is known in all continents and drank daily by literally billions of people worldwide but has zero nutritional value. “Africa is the second largest of the earth’s seven continents, covering about 30 330 000sq km. It comprises about 22 percent of the world’s total land area…The continent, as of 2009, has a population around 1 billion, with almost 800 languages spoken. Most archeologists and anthrolopogists currently agree that human beings originated in Africa and then spread out across the world.”6
To bring everything into perspective, there is need for a concerted effort by both the Private sector and the Government to consider the global playing field we find ourselves in and to fully embrace and utilize ICTs to achieve growth and progress. The Ministry that is ICT has been set up, and should be regarded as the rallying point for all other Ministries as ICTs affect all and sundry. Be it Agriculture, Mining, Industry, Commerce you name it there is need for information and communication technologies (ICTs) to be incorporated into the daily business cultures. Once the initial steps have been taken and the Usage Level has been achieved there is need for transference of impetus to not only recognition but to technology creation (Manufacturing of ICTs) and invention. “…Given these disparities, the digital divide is really a reflection of existing disparities between the haves and have-nots. As a meeting of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) put it, ‘The digital divide is a symptom of existing economic and social divides, which will widen even further if developing countries are not helped to take advantage of ICT in tackling economic and social problems and are denied access to markets that are becoming increasingly ICT-dependant as part of globalization’”7 “The Perspective of High-income Countries – According to the Human Development Report (HDR) of 2001, ‘Leaders8 (Technology Achievement Index – TAI) – topped by Finland, the United States, Sweden and Japan – are at the cutting edge of technological innovation. Technological innovation is self sustaining, and these countries have high achievements in technology creation, diffusion and skills. Coming fifth is the Republic of Korea, and 10th is Singapore – two countries that have advanced rapidly in technology in recent decades. This group is set apart from the rest by its higher invention index…The view of industrialized countries is that ICTs can enable the economy and all sectors of human activities. There is clear proof that the adoption of ICTs in the 1990s in the USA is directly related to increases in efficiency that have translated into increased rates of economic growth and GDP. The USA has recognized that ICTs are major enablers of the economy and , as a sector, major contributors to GNP. Many industrialized countries have developed ambitious plans to connect their citizens (e.g. Connecting Canadians strategy in Canada) or deploy ICTs throughout society and the economy …These countries are also leaders in providing government online (GOL) services to their citizens.”9
“HAS AFRICA'S and yes ZIMBABWE’s 10 ICT RENAISSANCE BEGUN?
The efforts deployed by Africa to extend Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) access are bearing fruit, with more and more African nations embracing full-scale regulatory reform. Market liberalization and regulatory reform are designed to attract a surge of investment in the ICT sector and exploit the potential of low-cost technologies to provide affordable access to ICTs.
A glance at the ICT policy landscape across Africa shows real signs of pioneering and innovation. For many African policy-makers it is clear that market reform will take the leading role in the continent's development. Africa is the fastest growing region for mobile communications and may well present one of the most fertile grounds for ICT investment anywhere in the world.”11
“Wherefore seeing we also are encompassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”12
To put that “gap” into perspective “a meeting was held were the participants were discussing the progress that great civilizations past and present have made. They were discussing the progress we have made in the Arts, in the Sciences, in Technology. They were discussing the progress of nations and in that discussion Africa factored in and a comment was made by some specialist or the other that at the current rate of growth, development and progress of Africa, collectively, it would take Africa 250 years to be where the United States of America is today. What the statement implies is that we have a development deficit.2
In our previous edition we had a write-up by the Ministry of ICT articulating their Mission, Expected Functions, Selected KEY Activities at Level 1 and Critical Non-MICT Responsibilities at Level 2 and the Strength of The Ministry. For any meaningful progress to occur, one should understand his present location and think of an expected end which will lead to the creation of a plan of action as to how to join the two locus points. Visionaries think in reverse mode where they envision themselves at the end of the journey before they even take the first step. It needs to be understood and embraced that ICTs have to be given pole position in our National and yes Continental Vision if we endeavor to achieve growth and development as a people.
There is a shift which we must embrace at any cost or suffer serious retardation that will leave us needing deliverance from either above or our previous colonizers but unfortunately the choice of who delivers us shall not lie with us. I shudder to think the later shall ever again desire to colonize us as we will be useless to them without the correct knowledge and usage of ICTs. In simple terms the world has changed from being “Physical” Resources and or labour Driven to Information and Data Mining driven. The whole idea is that you don’t need to work hard anymore but you need to work smart. It goes without arguing that Africans are hard workers, we totally love working hard but surely by now there are some day to day processes which should take us the least amount of time and effort.2 One idea comes to mind, generally Zimbabweans eat sadza at least once a day and the amount of effort it takes in preparing such a meal is tremendous as your consumptive market grows larger, the more the consumers the more the effort. Why and how is it that we have not automated such an important task to the level that every household should utilize such technology and hence improve on productivity and time management? The thrust now is towards Information gathering and sharing. Knowledge is more powerful than a gun or any device available to man’s whims. Where do we really stand as a people as “The “digital divide” however, is still at its most extreme in Africa. In absolute terms, networked readiness is still at a very early stage of development compared to other regions of the world. Of the approximately 816 million
people in Africa in 2001, it is estimated1 that only:
one in four have a radio (200 million);
one in 13 have a television (62 million);
one in 35 have a mobile telephone (24 million);
one in 39 have a fixed line (21 million);
one in 130 have a personal computer (PC) (5.9 million);
one in 160 use the Internet (5 million);
one in 400 have pay-television (2 million).
These figures do not take into consideration the widespread sharing of media that takes place in Africa (often ten people may read the same newspaper or share an Internet account, and a whole village may use a single telephone line or crowd around a television set at night); nevertheless, it appears that sub-Saharan Africa may be slipping behind when compared to south Asia, the other least developed region.”3
“To Rwayitare, broadband, like telecoms was something we would all soon find impossible to live without. ‘We all need broadband to run a modern lifestyle. It’s essential, like water and electricity,’ Rwayitare’s plan was to deliver what he called a ‘triple play’ of services: high-speed data, voice and video to homes in South Africa using already existing electricity grid infrastructure... Voice has no more future; video is the future and for that you need a 20MB broadband line. My dream is that by 2010, South Africa will get real broadband. I am looking forward to watching Brazil (playing in the 2010 World Cup) in high-resolution broadband, which will be 40 times faster than today’s internet services. We have no legacy system to overcome in this country, so we can use the best technology on the market to make this dream come true.”4
We unfortunately cannot all be pioneers but where credit should be given we need to take not a leaf but leaves from other people’s books if we are to forge ahead and make meaningful progress. The blueprint is rightly before us but surely we have to be willing to eat of the fat of the land which by the way has seized to be the issue but how to achieve the greatest productivity from it through Knowledge based systems that work optimally. “We need to sit down and cry hard as to why we continue to be consumers of what others make while we do not even try to make something of value”5 or maybe no value but which the world will consume like one of the most popular products ever made which is known in all continents and drank daily by literally billions of people worldwide but has zero nutritional value. “Africa is the second largest of the earth’s seven continents, covering about 30 330 000sq km. It comprises about 22 percent of the world’s total land area…The continent, as of 2009, has a population around 1 billion, with almost 800 languages spoken. Most archeologists and anthrolopogists currently agree that human beings originated in Africa and then spread out across the world.”6
To bring everything into perspective, there is need for a concerted effort by both the Private sector and the Government to consider the global playing field we find ourselves in and to fully embrace and utilize ICTs to achieve growth and progress. The Ministry that is ICT has been set up, and should be regarded as the rallying point for all other Ministries as ICTs affect all and sundry. Be it Agriculture, Mining, Industry, Commerce you name it there is need for information and communication technologies (ICTs) to be incorporated into the daily business cultures. Once the initial steps have been taken and the Usage Level has been achieved there is need for transference of impetus to not only recognition but to technology creation (Manufacturing of ICTs) and invention. “…Given these disparities, the digital divide is really a reflection of existing disparities between the haves and have-nots. As a meeting of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) put it, ‘The digital divide is a symptom of existing economic and social divides, which will widen even further if developing countries are not helped to take advantage of ICT in tackling economic and social problems and are denied access to markets that are becoming increasingly ICT-dependant as part of globalization’”7 “The Perspective of High-income Countries – According to the Human Development Report (HDR) of 2001, ‘Leaders8 (Technology Achievement Index – TAI) – topped by Finland, the United States, Sweden and Japan – are at the cutting edge of technological innovation. Technological innovation is self sustaining, and these countries have high achievements in technology creation, diffusion and skills. Coming fifth is the Republic of Korea, and 10th is Singapore – two countries that have advanced rapidly in technology in recent decades. This group is set apart from the rest by its higher invention index…The view of industrialized countries is that ICTs can enable the economy and all sectors of human activities. There is clear proof that the adoption of ICTs in the 1990s in the USA is directly related to increases in efficiency that have translated into increased rates of economic growth and GDP. The USA has recognized that ICTs are major enablers of the economy and , as a sector, major contributors to GNP. Many industrialized countries have developed ambitious plans to connect their citizens (e.g. Connecting Canadians strategy in Canada) or deploy ICTs throughout society and the economy …These countries are also leaders in providing government online (GOL) services to their citizens.”9
“HAS AFRICA'S and yes ZIMBABWE’s 10 ICT RENAISSANCE BEGUN?
The efforts deployed by Africa to extend Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) access are bearing fruit, with more and more African nations embracing full-scale regulatory reform. Market liberalization and regulatory reform are designed to attract a surge of investment in the ICT sector and exploit the potential of low-cost technologies to provide affordable access to ICTs.
A glance at the ICT policy landscape across Africa shows real signs of pioneering and innovation. For many African policy-makers it is clear that market reform will take the leading role in the continent's development. Africa is the fastest growing region for mobile communications and may well present one of the most fertile grounds for ICT investment anywhere in the world.”11
“Wherefore seeing we also are encompassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”12
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Information On The Ministry Of ICT
1. MISSION
To transform Zimbabwe into a knowledge based society so as to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the world in order to stimulate and sustain economic growth through the systematic application and innovative use of ICT.
2. Expected Functions of the Ministry
1. To develop extensive ICT supportive infrastructure to ensure equitable access to ICT by all citizens including disadvantaged groups and rural communities.
2. To develop appropriate policies and strategies that enhance provision of ICT innovation.
3. To spearhead the development of appropriate regulatory frameworks that facilitates the promotion of ICTs.
4. To champion and promote ICT literacy and utilization in the country in order to enhance regional and international competitiveness as a nation.
5. To promote and coordinate national ICT research and development of software application and appropriate hardware that are benchmarked on the best international standards and practices.
6. To introduce and enforce stringent quality of service standards in the provision of ICTs.
7. To create a conducive environment that attracts investment in the areas of ICTs through public private partnerships.
8. To provide awareness, publicity and advocacy for ICT consciousness and support across all sectors.
Selected KEY Activities of the Ministry
Level 1
a) Development and management of a nationwide infrastructure that is comprehensive, expansive and reliable.
b) Establishment of a vibrant ICT sector that is mainstreamed and contributes significantly to the national GDP.
c) Promoting Research & Development (R&D), production of ICT Products and services.
d) Mobilisation of resources and establishment of smart partnerships for ICTs development programmes.
e) Establishing relevant ICT Policies and a comprehensive regulatory framework.
f) Promoting ICT literacy, awareness and advocacy.
g) Development and maintenance of national ICT applications.
Level 2 (not responsibility of MICT but critical)
i) Ensure the expansion and availability of reliable energy sources for ICT equipment.
ii) Advocate for a reduction in customs and excise duty on ICT products.
iii) Advocate for mandatory inclusion of ICTs in the curricular for all levels of education and training programmes.
3. Strength of the Ministry
The Ministry cannot function as an island but depends on strong private sector support that is innovative and resilient. It goes without say that the role of Central Government is not to actually propagate the day to day running of
Add more info about :
a) the ICT private sector in terms of activity areas, e.g software development ICT products marketing, ICT innovation, web application development, ICT eqpt maintenance and development, ICT services provision (communication), and any other focus areas and direction
b) Comment on the advantages of having a new ministry devoted to ICTs in the country and a brief about your expectations.
To transform Zimbabwe into a knowledge based society so as to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the world in order to stimulate and sustain economic growth through the systematic application and innovative use of ICT.
2. Expected Functions of the Ministry
1. To develop extensive ICT supportive infrastructure to ensure equitable access to ICT by all citizens including disadvantaged groups and rural communities.
2. To develop appropriate policies and strategies that enhance provision of ICT innovation.
3. To spearhead the development of appropriate regulatory frameworks that facilitates the promotion of ICTs.
4. To champion and promote ICT literacy and utilization in the country in order to enhance regional and international competitiveness as a nation.
5. To promote and coordinate national ICT research and development of software application and appropriate hardware that are benchmarked on the best international standards and practices.
6. To introduce and enforce stringent quality of service standards in the provision of ICTs.
7. To create a conducive environment that attracts investment in the areas of ICTs through public private partnerships.
8. To provide awareness, publicity and advocacy for ICT consciousness and support across all sectors.
Selected KEY Activities of the Ministry
Level 1
a) Development and management of a nationwide infrastructure that is comprehensive, expansive and reliable.
b) Establishment of a vibrant ICT sector that is mainstreamed and contributes significantly to the national GDP.
c) Promoting Research & Development (R&D), production of ICT Products and services.
d) Mobilisation of resources and establishment of smart partnerships for ICTs development programmes.
e) Establishing relevant ICT Policies and a comprehensive regulatory framework.
f) Promoting ICT literacy, awareness and advocacy.
g) Development and maintenance of national ICT applications.
Level 2 (not responsibility of MICT but critical)
i) Ensure the expansion and availability of reliable energy sources for ICT equipment.
ii) Advocate for a reduction in customs and excise duty on ICT products.
iii) Advocate for mandatory inclusion of ICTs in the curricular for all levels of education and training programmes.
3. Strength of the Ministry
The Ministry cannot function as an island but depends on strong private sector support that is innovative and resilient. It goes without say that the role of Central Government is not to actually propagate the day to day running of
Add more info about :
a) the ICT private sector in terms of activity areas, e.g software development ICT products marketing, ICT innovation, web application development, ICT eqpt maintenance and development, ICT services provision (communication), and any other focus areas and direction
b) Comment on the advantages of having a new ministry devoted to ICTs in the country and a brief about your expectations.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Computer Suppliers Association of Zimbabwe
The Computer Suppliers Association of Zimbabwe (COMSA) was formed to bring together organisations that supply ICT products and services to the public at large. The aims of the association are to introduce, promote the use of ICT in the development of the country by supplying and maintaining internationally recognised products that are current and relevant.
The objectives of the Association are amongst others
• To be the national representative organization of commercial suppliers in Zimbabwe of Information and Communications Technology (hereinafter referred to as “ICT”) equipment, products and services, and to act in the common interest of its members in all matters affecting the activities of such suppliers of ICT equipment, products and services in Zimbabwe.
• To consider any matters connected directly or indirectly with the supply and maintenance of ICT equipment, products or services in Zimbabwe whether on a subsidiary, distributorship, agency or dealership basis insofar as such matters affect the common interests of the members of the Association.
• To maintain contact with the Government of Zimbabwe and lobby appropriate Government bodies where necessary on all matters affecting the common interest of the members of the Association.
• To co-operate with other interested parties on matters affecting training and educational programmes for ICT technicians and other ICT personnel in Zimbabwe and to advise educational and training bodies where necessary on curricula and standards.
• To consider national, local or other legislation or proposed legislation affecting or likely to affect either directly or indirectly the supply of ICT equipment, products or services in Zimbabwe whether on a subsidiary, distributorship, agency, or dealership basis, and to take such steps in regard thereto as it may deem fit.
• To express and publish its opinions on any matters directly or indirectly connected with the supply of ICT equipment, products or services in Zimbabwe whether on a subsidiary, distributorship, agency or dealership basis.
• To make representations to any Minister, Government official, any public authority or to any other person relative to the necessity for the enactment of new legislation or the issue, repeal or amendment of regulations, by-laws or rules in any way connected with or incidental to the objects of the Association.
• To promote high ethical standards in the conduct of business and excellence of work of the Members of the Association.
• To protect and further the interests of Members of the Association both collectively and individually and in particular without derogating from the aforesaid to provide support to Members of the Association where it is deemed that unreasonable demands or constraints are placed on tenderers in any tender.
In order to carry some of its objectives the association has a number of activities that are beneficial to the public, its show case is the running of IT Africa an annual exhibition of what is available and world trends in the ICT arena. This event has in the past attracted as many as 200 stands where suppliers displayed their products. Recently due to the economic situation in Zimbabwe the show has been a smaller affair but they are looking f or an increase in the numbers for this years show due to be held in September.
COMSA keeps touch with world trends by its membership of WITSA a worldwide Association of IT suppliers, and any trends that are being used elsewhere are available to its members for consideration and adoption.
Government Liaison
COMSA was part of the NECF which formulated the national ICT policy launched by the President in 2007 and has continued to be involved in the steps that are being taken to put this policy into practice. With the formation of the Ministry of ICT it is hoped that the interaction between government and COMSA’s members will be strengthened and a strong practical relationship is established to use IT as a tool for the development and improvement of standards in Zimbabwe.
COMSA’s role as representing employers in the ICT sector is also important and setting standards and recommendations to its members is an ongoing activity, they were instrumental in introducing relevant courses for technicians at selected institutions and have participated in appraisal of industry needs. The members participate in student placements from Universities and colleges giving students practical experience before graduating.
Ethics
The Computer Suppliers Association of Zimbabwe has, as one of its prime objectives, the promotion of consistent standards of professionalism and service in the information technology industry. Specifically, all members of the Association are committed to acting in a professional manner in their relationships with their customers, their employees, fellow members and the public.
Members of COMSA undertake that they will abide by the associations’ code of ethics specifically In respect of their CUSTOMERS
o At all times conduct business professionally and ethically and fulfil all agreements in good faith.
o Accurately represent their experience and capabilities and those of their employees or agents.
o Accept responsibility for assisting customers to effective information technology solutions.
o Express clear and precise information in advertisements and statements issued to the media, and in agreements avoid terms which may be misleading or misunderstood.
o Disclose to prospective customers any particular interest which they may have in goods or services which they recommend.
o Treat as confidential all information learned about the business of a customer and to provide security for confidential information, records, documents and programs.
o Comply with all applicable laws, copyrights, legislation and regulations in Zimbabwe.
In addition they are required to promote and monitor their employees to ensure they deliver services professionally, and in respect of the PUBLIC they should promote the effective use of information technology as an instrument for social and economic good.
This undertaking is central to the operation of the association thereby giving the public a means to differentiate between organisations who will deliver professional services and are accountable to the association for doing so and perhaps those that are not accountable. The public may ask the association to mediate in any dispute between a member and themselves.
COMSA is run by an executive committee comprising of senior representatives from active member organisations who voluntarily give their time to maintain the integrity of the industry and ensuring that members are committed to the principles that COMSA stands for.
Membership of COMSA is strictly controlled to ensure that the members can meet the standards previously described with the prerequisite experience and resources to carry out their obligations to their customers. The public may seek information from COMSA as to its membership thereby ensuring that they are dealing with organisations who are professional in their approach, and if they feel that any COMSA member as failed to perform according to the ethical code they may raise the matter with the Association who will investigate the incident and mediate in getting a satisfactory result for all concerned
The objectives of the Association are amongst others
• To be the national representative organization of commercial suppliers in Zimbabwe of Information and Communications Technology (hereinafter referred to as “ICT”) equipment, products and services, and to act in the common interest of its members in all matters affecting the activities of such suppliers of ICT equipment, products and services in Zimbabwe.
• To consider any matters connected directly or indirectly with the supply and maintenance of ICT equipment, products or services in Zimbabwe whether on a subsidiary, distributorship, agency or dealership basis insofar as such matters affect the common interests of the members of the Association.
• To maintain contact with the Government of Zimbabwe and lobby appropriate Government bodies where necessary on all matters affecting the common interest of the members of the Association.
• To co-operate with other interested parties on matters affecting training and educational programmes for ICT technicians and other ICT personnel in Zimbabwe and to advise educational and training bodies where necessary on curricula and standards.
• To consider national, local or other legislation or proposed legislation affecting or likely to affect either directly or indirectly the supply of ICT equipment, products or services in Zimbabwe whether on a subsidiary, distributorship, agency, or dealership basis, and to take such steps in regard thereto as it may deem fit.
• To express and publish its opinions on any matters directly or indirectly connected with the supply of ICT equipment, products or services in Zimbabwe whether on a subsidiary, distributorship, agency or dealership basis.
• To make representations to any Minister, Government official, any public authority or to any other person relative to the necessity for the enactment of new legislation or the issue, repeal or amendment of regulations, by-laws or rules in any way connected with or incidental to the objects of the Association.
• To promote high ethical standards in the conduct of business and excellence of work of the Members of the Association.
• To protect and further the interests of Members of the Association both collectively and individually and in particular without derogating from the aforesaid to provide support to Members of the Association where it is deemed that unreasonable demands or constraints are placed on tenderers in any tender.
In order to carry some of its objectives the association has a number of activities that are beneficial to the public, its show case is the running of IT Africa an annual exhibition of what is available and world trends in the ICT arena. This event has in the past attracted as many as 200 stands where suppliers displayed their products. Recently due to the economic situation in Zimbabwe the show has been a smaller affair but they are looking f or an increase in the numbers for this years show due to be held in September.
COMSA keeps touch with world trends by its membership of WITSA a worldwide Association of IT suppliers, and any trends that are being used elsewhere are available to its members for consideration and adoption.
Government Liaison
COMSA was part of the NECF which formulated the national ICT policy launched by the President in 2007 and has continued to be involved in the steps that are being taken to put this policy into practice. With the formation of the Ministry of ICT it is hoped that the interaction between government and COMSA’s members will be strengthened and a strong practical relationship is established to use IT as a tool for the development and improvement of standards in Zimbabwe.
COMSA’s role as representing employers in the ICT sector is also important and setting standards and recommendations to its members is an ongoing activity, they were instrumental in introducing relevant courses for technicians at selected institutions and have participated in appraisal of industry needs. The members participate in student placements from Universities and colleges giving students practical experience before graduating.
Ethics
The Computer Suppliers Association of Zimbabwe has, as one of its prime objectives, the promotion of consistent standards of professionalism and service in the information technology industry. Specifically, all members of the Association are committed to acting in a professional manner in their relationships with their customers, their employees, fellow members and the public.
Members of COMSA undertake that they will abide by the associations’ code of ethics specifically In respect of their CUSTOMERS
o At all times conduct business professionally and ethically and fulfil all agreements in good faith.
o Accurately represent their experience and capabilities and those of their employees or agents.
o Accept responsibility for assisting customers to effective information technology solutions.
o Express clear and precise information in advertisements and statements issued to the media, and in agreements avoid terms which may be misleading or misunderstood.
o Disclose to prospective customers any particular interest which they may have in goods or services which they recommend.
o Treat as confidential all information learned about the business of a customer and to provide security for confidential information, records, documents and programs.
o Comply with all applicable laws, copyrights, legislation and regulations in Zimbabwe.
In addition they are required to promote and monitor their employees to ensure they deliver services professionally, and in respect of the PUBLIC they should promote the effective use of information technology as an instrument for social and economic good.
This undertaking is central to the operation of the association thereby giving the public a means to differentiate between organisations who will deliver professional services and are accountable to the association for doing so and perhaps those that are not accountable. The public may ask the association to mediate in any dispute between a member and themselves.
COMSA is run by an executive committee comprising of senior representatives from active member organisations who voluntarily give their time to maintain the integrity of the industry and ensuring that members are committed to the principles that COMSA stands for.
Membership of COMSA is strictly controlled to ensure that the members can meet the standards previously described with the prerequisite experience and resources to carry out their obligations to their customers. The public may seek information from COMSA as to its membership thereby ensuring that they are dealing with organisations who are professional in their approach, and if they feel that any COMSA member as failed to perform according to the ethical code they may raise the matter with the Association who will investigate the incident and mediate in getting a satisfactory result for all concerned
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