New ICT centre launched in Magaliesburg
The government says the new ICT centre provides access to information and skills development that are vital in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The Gauteng government took time to visit Orient Hills in Magalies to launch its latest Information Communication and Technology (ICT) centre.
This is to assist citizens in gaining skills and making them employable. The centre is said to be the first of many to be built on the West Rand.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC for the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and e-Government, Mzi Khumalo (also a former mayor of Rand West City on the West Rand) were present to officially unveil the innovative hub which is set to empower youth with essential skills in ICT and business, paving the way for a brighter future. This was the second centre of excellence established at Orient Hills informal settlement to bring development to the area.
According to Lesufi, the centre will provide easy access to computer resources for the community, free Wi-Fi, and deliver certified skills training to the youth in the area.
“We stand here today at the inauguration of the Orient Hills Centre of Excellence with immense pride and gratitude. This centre symbolises our commitment towards empowering the Orient Hills community through technology and technological innovations,” Lesufi said.
The premier further states that the Centre of Excellence must be a structure, a house of opportunities, and a gateway to a brighter future. The premier also engaged with attendees by urging the community to take care of the infrastructure and not allow it to be vandalised indicating that the computer lab will play a big role in the future of the young people of Orient Hills.
“I would like to ask the people of Orient Hills to take good care of this infrastructure. This centre will play a vital role in the future of our young generations. This is a place where they will be well-equipped in ICT skills and become better individuals in the future,” said Premier Lesufi.
The department’s first Gauteng Centre of Excellence (GCOE) was established and opened in 2021 in Imbumba, in partnership with Microsoft South Africa. Khumalo stated that these innovative hubs represent a significant milestone in the department’s commitment to driving excellence and the growth of ICT skills development and technology in the province.
“I am proud that today we are opening our second innovative hub. These centres symbolise a milestone in our journey towards a digitally inclusive Gauteng City Region. These centres will catalyse progress, providing access to information and skills development that are vital in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Khumalo concluded.
