MEDIA RELEASE
SYNTHESIS SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES (PTY) LTD
—
Johannesburg, 30 April 2018: Synthesis Software Technologies, a South African home-grown specialised financial technology company, together with Afrika Tikkun and training provider Unlock’D, awarded certificates to 16 unemployed youth at a graduation ceremony held at Waverley Sports Club. The learners, who reside in disadvantaged communities across Johannesburg, successfully completed Synthesis’ learnership programme, graduating with an NQF Level 3 in End User Computing, accredited by the Media Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA).
The 12-month training programme, which incorporates both practical and theoretical computer proficiency training, is an annual initiative that commenced in May 2017 with the first intake of learners. Through the training initiative, Synthesis and its partners equip unemployed youth, some of whom are disabled, with basic computing skills.
Michael Shapiro, Managing Director at Synthesis Software Technologies, described the value of the programme: “These learnerships are an integral part of our commitment to skills development and transformation in South Africa. We strive to create suitably qualified youth with sufficient computer proficiency skills and knowledge to enable them to seek employment opportunities. Sue Ann Huyser has created an unbelievable initiative for the beneficiaries who have all benefitted from the programme. We are looking to grow this programme every year.”
The learners are already beginning to reap the benefits of their hard work. Of the 16 learners who graduated, three have received offers for permanent employment. In addition, Synthesis has awarded bursaries to two learners to further their studies through an A+ certification programme specialising in installing, maintaining, customising, and operating personal computers, and a Network+ (N+) certification to qualify as a network administrator.
The remaining 11 learners will be enrolled into a business course for the following 12 months and will work towards attaining an NQF Level 4 certificate accredited by the MICT SETA. In total Synthesis will provide learnership opportunities for 20 young people living in underprivileged communities over the next financial year.
Commenting on the benefits of the learnership programme, graduates Tebogo Kaboi from Rosettenville and Sikelela Ndaba from Benoni agreed that the training programme has been extremely beneficial as they are now computer proficient, a valuable skill needed to gain employment. In the near future, they plan to enrol at tertiary institutions and study further.
Over the long term, Synthesis plans to provide employment opportunities within the company for unemployed youth who successfully complete the learnership programme and to offer learnership opportunities to many more youths from disadvantaged communities in line with their commitment to give underprivileged youth a better chance at life.
ENDS.
For more information on the innovative work Synthesis has done for its blue-chip clients, contact:
Leanne Goott
Marketing Manager
www.synthesis.co.za
+27 87 654 3300
For media interviews please contact:
Michelle Copans
Aprio
082 743 9962
About Synthesis
Synthesis Software Technologies, founded in 1997, offers specialised software development, consulting and integration services and technology-based product solutions to banking and financial institutions in South Africa and other emerging markets. As Amazon Web Services’ first company to achieve Advanced Consulting Partner status in Africa, Synthesis is focused on building advanced cloud architecture for customers, delivering cost-efficient, web-scale and highly available services with global reach. Synthesis is a true South African success story, with JSE-listed Capital Appreciation Limited, having acquired 100 per cent of the company in 2017. Following the acquisition Synthesis remains an independent operating entity within the Capital Appreciation Group.
About Afrika Tikkun
Afrika Tikkun was founded in 1994 with the goal to make a difference in the South African economy by developing and uplifting young people living in underprivileged communities. The non-profit organisation strives to provide holistic development in disadvantaged communities by empowering youth and affording them with the opportunity to receive gainful education, good health care, nutrition and support for their families. More specifically, Afrika Tikkun’s programmes are focused on early childhood development, child and youth development, career development, family support services, primary health care, an empowerment programme and a nutrition and food security programme.
About Unlock’D
Unlock’D is a youth talent development organisation focused on preparing young job seekers to kick start their careers. They offer integrated training and development solutions to ease unemployed and unskilled youth into the world of work. Since 2014, the company placed 300 talented candidates into entry-and-support-level jobs in a variety of different industries.
