Seeds for the Future South Africa
On the 7th of November 2016 South Africa officially joined Huawei’s prestigious global training programme. In partnership with the Department of Telecommunication’s and Postal Services (DTPS), Huawei sent the first intake of 10 South African students to China for international training in Beijing and Shenzhen. The students received training in cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, LTE, and cloud computing, and got access to Huawei's most advanced labs.
Seeds for the future is well rounded training programme offering cultural experiences as well. At the send-off ceremony last year, Huawei South Africa CEO, Mr. Steven Wu said, “It prides us to finally see this initiative kick-off in South Africa as well. The question often arose when this will happen for South Africa? We are glad that through our focus in investing in local institutions of higher learning, and our perseverance in strategic partnership with the DTPS, the breakthrough is in the horizon, and we wish our young talent returns with the required optimism and skills” The beneficiary students were outstanding students from various tertiary institutions across South Africa, they were handpicked for by the DTPS. The partnership between Huawei and the DTPS is a long standing one which aims to up-skill and train ICT professionals. This initiative is part of the roll out of the Cooperation Contract signed between both parties earlier in 2016, which centered on capacity building, the joint Innovation and Experience Centre, and skills training.
At the send-off ceremony in November 2016, DTPS Minister Dr. Siyabonga Cwele said, “We are committed as the government to see South Africa be globally competitive. There is no better place to invest then in our youth who are the future of this country. The seeds should remember that they carry the hopes and dreams of this nation. We thank Huawei providing this platform and for the partnership.” Also attending the ceremony was the Chinese Economic and Commercial Counsellor Mr. Rong Yansong who said: “Thanks to SA government and the DTPS Minister himself for providing support to Chinese Enterprises in South Africa, the cooperation between China and South Africa will benefit the African continent and. wished the students can be experienced ambassadors on their return to South Africa.” Other African countries that have been part of the initiative include, Kenya Namibia, Botswana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Ghana. The second group of ten students are due to leave South Africa in mid-October 2017.
In 2021, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Seeds program was successfully held in November at Huawei Office Park, Johannesburg. Totally 12 students from 10 universities participated in the program. And South African team was placed in top 10 beating out of 79 other countries at Seeds for the future global Tech4Good competition, winning recognition for their project aimed at protecting South Africa’s rhino population from illegal poaching.
ABOUT SEEDS FOR THE FUTURE
Seeds for the Future is Huawei’s global CSR flagship program. It is our most heavily invested CSR activity, and we will continue to invest in the program over the long term. Initiated by Huawei in 2008, the program seeks to develop local ICT talent, enhance knowledge transfer, promote a greater understanding of and interest in the telecommunications sector, and improve and encourage regional building and participation in the digital community.
Every year, Huawei invites students to discuss future trends and show them how they can harness new opportunities. The name of the program represents Huawei’s desire to nurture promising young professionals with the aim to reach all countries they operate in. Up to the end of 2016, the program had been implemented in 96 countries and international organization worldwide, benefiting over 30,000 students from 280 universities; among them, more than 2,700 university students from have taken a study trip to the Huawei headquarters.
Huawei and DCDT will continue the Seeds for the Future programme in 2024 and please find the Seeds application description below. You are welcome to submit the application for this journey!
1. Seeds selection criteria
- Total number of participants: 15 students
- South Africa citizen
- All university students with ICT related major (Computer Science, Electronic Science, Information Technology, Software, Engineering, etc.)
- Average of 70% academic marks
- Have a strong interest in telecommunications and technologies
- Team player and dedicated to training tasks (including but not limited to training tests and completing a high quality essay)
- Interested in China and Chinese culture
- Gender balances
2. Process of Application
Applicants should submit an application package by end of July 2024, to the following e-mail addresses: seedssa@huawei.com and mtau@dcdt.gov.za
An application package should contain:
- Completed application form containing: Personal Details such as Name, Gender, Race, DoB, motivation for your selection.
- Academic Records – including report for the last academic year and current progress
- ID copy
- Recommendation or Reference letter from Faculty/Division Head (optional, prefer to have)
- CV (optional)
- Any supporting documents