CSIR and SITA delegates gather after a successful workshop. From left back row: Ntsika Msimang, Modelling and Digital Science (MDS); Charl Harding, Defence, Peace, Safety and Security (DPSS); Gerald O’Sullivan, (SITA); Willie Needham, (SITA); Pinda Sifunda, Human Capital Development (HCD); and Themba Belle, (Contract R&D). From left front row: Gaitsiwe Lenepa, (SITA); Dr Motodi Maserumule, (MDS); Tshavhu Mukhodobwane (SITA); Berenice Lue Marais, (Contract R&D); Kobus Roux, (Meraka Institute); Hennie Harris Defence Peace Safety Security (DPSS).
The CSIR recently hosted a workshop with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) to discuss key areas of collaboration in preparation for the planned Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing.
According to SITA General Manager: Planning and Strategy, Gaitsiwe Lenepa, collaboration with the CSIR will assist the organisation in fulfilling some of its objectives set out in SITA’s 2011/2012 turnaround strategy. “The SITA strategy aims to reposition the organisation to be employer of choice, to fulfil its mandate as a leader in ICT and to assist government in service delivery,” said Lenepa.
SITA’s presentation listed the organisation’s need to collaborate with other role-players in order to meet its November 2011 external assessment deadline by government. “There is a light at the end of the tunnel, with CSIR colleagues identifying areas of collaboration that will assist SITA in meeting its strategic deadlines,” says CSIR Modelling and Digital Sciences: Executive Director, Dr Motodi Maserumule.
Lenepa said, “This MoU signing is not just a strategic talk; it is also ‘a strategic do’. Colleagues, this turnaround strategy is a big project. This is why we are talking to you – the CSIR and other industry players – to address this issue.”
Group Manager: CSIR Contract R&D, Berenice Lue Marais indicated that the CSIR and SITA steering committee would re-convene in July, but that collaboration should start immediately.
