Small businesses are key contributors to the South African economy – driving innovation as well as job creation. These organisations are fertile ground for skills development initiatives to take root, giving career-advancing opportunities to a diverse range of workers. Huawei works hand in hand with over 50 South African Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) suppliers and is a committed partner that empowers these organisations by providing access to everything from materials to training opportunities.
Last year Huawei’s Supplier Development programme delivered over R13 million in support to selected partners.
Thozama Matlhapa, Senior BEE Manager at Huawei South Africa says, “The work subcontractors do enables citizens’ access to cutting-edge technologies. They are pivotal drivers of the services we deliver to our customers. Through our supplier development programmes, we enable the growth of the local ICT ecosystem and keep the sector globally competitive.”
Qualifying SMMEs received high-quality equipment to enable their operations, these include smart aligners, large fully kitted toolboxes, ladders, protective vests, and climbing gear. Additionally, cash donations and skills training are also offered to keep companies on a positive growth path.
Christina Naidoo, Chief Operations Officer at Huawei South Africa says these donations are not just a corporate responsibility endeavour but rather an investment in the future of the sector. “When our partners thrive, Huawei thrives too. These are two-way collaborations that strengthen the local sector through tried and tested industry practices. Our vision is to encourage innovation, and economic diversity and ultimately to combat local unemployment.”
Several subcontractors in the telecommunications industry share Huawei’s vision. Mohamed Davids of NADSA has been working with Huawei for more than five years, enabling the latest 5G services for the country’s biggest telecom operators. For Davids, Huawei’s partnership brings in crucial “remuneration so at the end of the day we can pay our bills.” Davids stresses the importance of this in a country where “a lot of companies fail because they can’t meet the overheads.”
Griffith Sello of Papasmall Trading agrees that small businesses operate in a financially challenging environment as they fight to remain competitive in the ICT sector. From raising capital to paying salaries and purchasing equipment, Sello has had to overcome many challenges while running this business. He explains that “Huawei contributed a lot towards my company as well as my career as a whole by supporting us with training, and in-house management briefing.”
Dineshan Chetty, CEO of the innovative hardware and network solutions provider Pridin Trading, is optimistic about the role that SMMEs play in the local ICT sector. “Being an SMME has allowed us to be agile, adapt quickly to new trends, and build strong, close relationships with clients. We’ve seen growth by focusing on innovation, delivering personalised service, and maintaining a high standard of quality in all our projects,” he says.
Chetty reflects that partnering with Huawei helps to employ around 218 people and offers job opportunities for both skilled and semi-skilled workers. “Our collaboration with Huawei ensures that we stay at the forefront of technological advancement, delivering high-quality, reliable solutions,” concludes Chetty.
With this kind of robust impact, Huawei continues to make its mark on the local ICT sector. By upskilling and working together with partners to ensure high-quality products and services, it contributes to building an equitable, sustainable and flourishing ICT industry in South Africa.
