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| ICT sector divided over charter |
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| BY STEPHEN WHITFORD, ITWEB JOURNALIST |
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[Johannesburg, 21 July 2003] -
Preliminary results from an ITWeb quick poll have revealed that the industry is divided over the need for an information and communications technology (ICT) empowerment charter.This follows the announcement last month that SA's biggest ICT industry associations had formed a working group to pave the way for talks on an ICT empowerment charter.The ITWeb online poll asked respondents five questions about the need for a charter and the way it should be implemented.While some respondents were adamant that a charter would only cause further damage to the industry, others believe a charter should be enforced by the end of the year. Some stated that empowerment was needed within in the industry, although it should be seen as a lengthy undertaking, and others questioned the role of government in the process.John Machanik, from the SA Chamber of Business, who is co-ordinating industry input on the charter, says this diversity within the local ICT industry means documenting the opinion is a daunting task.“Not only do we face the hurdle of such a range of services offered by a host of small to medium enterprises as well as the big multinationals, but there is also the problem of restrictions on the trading of shares and equity ownership in the big multinationals.”Machanik says the ICT charter working group will post a discussion document on its Web site within the next week to facilitate discussion.“The working group has come up with a discussion document for the indaba to be held on 16 and 17 September. The document will be continually updated as input is received through the site. Through the document we hope that all industry perspectives can be included for discussion at the indaba,” he says.The divided opinion has raised the question of whether the charter working group can achieve its goal of reaching consensus within the industry and producing an empowerment charter by early 2004. Brainier Capital MD Brian Rainier says he thinks this is possible.“Government has already laid down a detailed framework for empowerment. The industry will just have to work out the specifics for the charter.”Rainer says the key task for the working group will be to include everyone. “Black empowerment companies have really been pushing for a charter, but much of the industry has been apathetic about getting involved in the process. The working group will need to incorporate the views of everyone so they can be discussed during the indaba,” he says.While the discussion document should stimulate the industry to discussion, can a consensus be reached? Tell us what you think.Related story:
ICT sector drives own empowerment charter
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