Technology is Fun, i promise Below I will highlight the importance of technological developement in South Africa. Yes, you read that right! Just recently news broke out that Microsoft cloud services are expanding its data centers in South Africa (Microsoft News Center, 2022). This is great for South Africa because not only is it growing the tech industry it's also creating job opportunities and people to be able to see tech close by and not something of first world countries. The tech industry is growing in South africa To get an idea on how important and beneficial technology could be for South Africa here are a few pointers: It could help with enhancing and creating better systems in the departments of South Africa. For example integrating technology in the department of health. It could help better the data capturing in public hospitals and clinic which would help by sending SMS's informing them that their medication is ready for collection or informing them about peak and off-peak hours in the hospital. Another point could be technology helping the country become a safer country. For example the police force being able to get their hands on the top of the range GPS systems where they could be able to track the crime hotspots in the countries and be able to patrol that area. What could technology do for south africa ? WE ALMOST THERE... Software Engineer Software Developer Data Engineer Data Scientist Data Analyst Web Developer Computer Engineer Technical Support Cybersecurity Engineer The different jobs you can get in tech: In the tech industry the pay can range from +- R29 000 to +- R100 00 per month (BusinessTechSA, 2022). OK THE EXICTING PART Reference list BusinessTechSA (2022). The most in-demand tech jobs for South Africans right now – including pay. [online] Businesstech.co.za. Available at: https://businesstech.co.za/news/technology/578586/most-in- demand-tech-jobs-for-south-africans-right-now-including-pay/ [Accessed 23 Aug. 2023]. Microsoft News Center (2022). Microsoft expands cloud services in South African data centres to drive growth and competitiveness – Middle East & Africa News Center. [online] news.microsoft.com. Available at: https://news.microsoft.com/en- xm/2022/11/01/microsoft-expands-cloud-services-in-south-african- data-centres-to-drive-growth-and-competitiveness/ [Accessed 23 Aug. 2023]. Van Wyk, C. (2012). SURVEY OF ICT IN SCHOOLS IN SOUTH- AFRICA ___________________________________________________________________________ Public Expenditure Analysis for the Department of Basic Education: Report 8. [online] Available at: https://www.education.gov.za/Portals/0/Documents/Reports/Resea rch%20Repository/LTSM/Survey%20of%20ICT%20in%20schools%2 0in%20SA.pdf?ver=2019-09-09-102208-963 [Accessed 23 Aug. 2023]. The education system in South Africa requires improvement but the Department of Basic Education has been trying to implement ICT in schools as a subject. But the only thing hindering their efforts is that there are not enough public schools in SA that have access to working computers (Van Wyk, 2012). This could be an issue that could easily solved if schools had the help of big corporate companies that would be able to donate computers to schools or sponsor schools. The fact that the issue is acknowledged is a step in the right direction. Information & communications Technology Keep That Gold Shining jcp@keepthatgoldshining.org www.keepthatgoldshining.org 39 Block PP1 Soshanguve, 0152