Data has been described as the “new gold” as the power of data analytics to transform business performance becomes better understood, but South Africa has too few specialists in this field.
Now, a band of big data boffins will be applying their substantial intellects to some of the critical problems of our time at top local universities – as beneficiaries of an annual fellowship established by leading fashion and homeware retailer TFG.
The Data Science and Leadership Fellowship, supported by TFG, will fund outstanding young South African students in the field of data science to accelerate the development of one the country’s most scarce and critical skills.
“Data scientists are the pioneers of a better future. They hold the key to solving some of the most pressing challenges facing our country and the world. Harvesting insights contained within big data, they can help to focus scarce resources where they are needed most, at precisely the right scale to make the biggest impact,” said TFG CEO Anthony Thunström.
“Data is also key to modern business, and even more so for a leading omni-channel retailer like TFG. Our vision, to create the most remarkable omni-channel experiences for our customers, is enabled by mining data for the sharpest, most relevant insights, and the ability to assimilate and interpret a multitude of data points in a complex, ever-changing environment.
“We want to build a pipeline of data specialists for our business and our country,” said Thunström.
A recent World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report listed Data Analysts and Scientists, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and Big Data Specialists as the top three roles in demand, while data occupations are listed as scarce and critical skills on South Africa’s National Critical Skills List.
The Western Cape Provincial Government has also listed data scientists as one of the occupations that are crucial for the National Recovery Plan.
The fellowship will fund the 1st and 2nd year of study towards either a research or coursework MSc in data science across five leading South African universities. Successful candidates will be selected on the basis of academic excellence, and high levels of innovation, creativity and leadership.
The fellowship is open to all South Africans although preference will be given to under-represented groups.
“Data analytics can be just as powerful in transforming the public sector and accelerating South Africa’s development as it is in enhancing business performance,” said Thunström.
“We could use big data to identify gaps in public services, from transport, to water supply and education, and direct scarce resources more efficiently and effectively.
“This fellowship is an opportunity for young data specialists with a passion for making a difference to develop their talents and help shape the future,” said Thunström.
