This is according to industry players, who also point out that there are no specific degrees or diploma courses in SA for telecommunications engineers.
“Virtually every higher education institution in this country offers some kind of information technology training. Add to this the wide range of internationally recognised and accredited IT qualifications that are provided by vendors and manufacturers of IT systems,” says Graeme Victor, CEO of Du Pont Telecom.
Read more: Skills dearth threatens South Africas telecoms sector
The 2012 Telecommunications Survey carried out by Landelahni Business Leaders was conducted using data from public institutions such as Stats SA, the Department of Labour and the World Economic Forum. It further included a sample of 18 South African companies.
Small towns are reaping the benefits of having free internet access, whilst large metropolitan cities appear to be lagging behind.
Stellenbosch residents will soon be able to access wireless internet in the city after the service went live on Friday. Though still in a trial phase, free Wi-Fi is currently available at the town centre and will run for two to three weeks before extending the network to the greater Stellenbosch area.
At a Parliamentary portfolio committee meeting last week, members asked when the smart card would become a reality. The department said announcements will be made soon since the current green ID book is not sufficient to match new technologies and transactions under the IT modernisation project.
Affordable broadband is being promised by the Western Cape, Gauteng and the Department of Communications.
In January 2012 Communications Minister Dina Pule reaffirmed the Department of Communications’ (DoC’s) commitment to deliver 100% broadband penetration in South Africa by 2020.
Read more: ZA: Cheap broadband for everyone (promises, promises…)