The future growth of the South African economy rests largely on the shoulders of entrepreneurs. In fact, the entrepreneurial spirit of South Africans plays a crucial role in job creation while simultaneously meeting business and consumer needs and improving the lives of fellow citizens.
At Dell Technologies, we believe in longer-term engagement and partnerships to secure success. Through our Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme, we assist black-owned and black women-owned SMEs to grow and become financially and operationally independent – mainly through the provision of ICT infrastructure, skills development, training interventions and funding.
We are committed to social upliftment in South Africa and believe that education and tangible employment opportunities will continue to fuel the development South Africa needs to grow its economy and its people. Transforming businesses, shaping the future of innovation and developing technologies helps us to drive human progress. We value the opportunity to participate in creating a sustainable South Africa through our integrated business model that focuses on ICT learning for youth, communities and the empowerment of small businesses. This is achieved through our initiatives in internal inclusiveness, connected communities and evolving business in South Africa.
Businesses eligible for the Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme are those who meet the following base criteria:
- Small business in the ICT sector.
- Exempted micro-enterprises and qualifying small enterprises with at least 51% black ownership.
- Valid B-BBEE certificate or ICT affidavit.
- 2 years in active operation.
- Annual financial report.
In line with Dell’s focus on governance, applicants go through a rigorous audit process as well as multiple interview stages.
A further example of Dell’s commitment is our Development Fund Programme, which was formed to drive social upliftment in South Africa by providing access to technology and education. The Dell Development Fund aims to make a real difference in South Africa. Technology plays such an important role in the world today and it’s critical for all young people to firstly have access to technology and secondly to gain practical experience and know-how.
It has enabled Dell to partner with South Africa’s leading universities by awarding more than 50 scholarships annually to deserving students in the field of Information Technology. In addition, Dell Technologies sponsors several other skills development projects, including the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Christel House, the Students’ Health and Welfare Centres Organisation (SHAWCO) and Code for Change.
