In honor of South African Women’s Day, XH Smart Technology Africa (Pty) Ltd hosted the unveiling and launch of the Faith Mangope Technology and Leadership Institute powered by XH Smart at the company’s offices in Rivonia, South Africa on 8 August 2019. The event was attended by Honorable Pinky Ketana, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technology, Honorable Lindiwe Zulu, Minister of Social Development, members of Brics, Professors and Academics from South African Universities, successful women from large Banks and Corporate organisations as well as the students chosen to participate in the learner-ship program.
The Faith Mangope Technology and Leadership Institute – powered by XH Smart (FMTALI) was jointly founded by Ms Faith Mangope, well known TV presenter on eNCA news channel in South Africa and Mr Jack Chen, Managing Director of XH Smart Technology. The program will see young ladies from previously disadvantaged backgrounds provided with comprehensive skills in the technology space, from university educations, to internships in China to experience the latest innovations first hand as well as leadership and mentoring from a host of successful and dynamic women in South Africa. XH Smart has further committed to hiring a number of these ladies once they have completed their studies and internships.
Speakers at the event included, Ms Jackie-lee Rowland, Director of Sales and Marketing at XH Smart, Ms Faith Mangope founder of the FMTALI, Honorable Pinky Ketana, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technology, Honorable Lindiwe Zulu, Minister of Social Development, Ms Sherrie Donaldson, Head of Brics and Mr Jack Chen, Managing Director of XH Smart. The message from all speakers was clear. Technology is shaping the world that we live in and the 4th Industrial Revolution is seeing Digitalization, Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things leading us into a new era which will see changes in jobs as we know them today. The empowerment, training and skills development of our youth is now more critical than ever. The speakers spoke of the importance of providing the previously disadvantaged female youth of South Africa with skills and training required for them to lead the South African technology space in the future.
XH Smart is not new to working on projects of national importance. The recent roll out of the SASSA Social Grant beneficiary card with zero quality defects was a project run by South African Post Office and XH Smart Technology. The ministers thanked the company for its dedication and commitment to the project and to the people of South Africa. The ministers further stated that it is the role of all South African companies to provide freedom to all South Africans through job creation, education and empowerment so that their reliance on SASSA benefits minimizes and their self-reliance and independence increases. Honorable Pinky Kekana presented the students with computers and spoke to them about the importance of their commitment to working hard and to making South Africa proud of their achievements. The event then turned into a celebration, offering guests the opportunity to network and to relax and enjoy XH Smart hospitality.
With its Head Quarters in China, XH Smart manufactures all kinds of Smart Cards; SIM Cards for mobile phones, debit and credit cards for banks, loyalty cards and ID cards. XH Smart is the first African company to achieve VISA, MasterCard and Union Pay certifications. In addition to cards XH Smart is a Fintech company providing digitalization to Financial Institutions and Mobile Network Operators.
South Africa and China have become close trading partners and due to the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, we expect more collaboration between the countries in the future. We are going to see many opportunities for African countries to benefit from the vast resources and innovations available in China, said Ms Jackie-lee Rowland, Director of Sales and Marketing.
In closing Managing Director of XH Smart, Mr Jack Chen, announced his personal commitment to working with FMTALI for the benefit of the South African youth and to the progression of the South African Technology Industry as a global leader.
