Smallholder farmers in South Africa are set to benefit from a 2.3 million dollar Microsoft investment aimed at driving sustainability in South Africa’s agricultural sector.
Through the investment, Microsoft will use technology to solve some of the challenges these farmers face. That prevents them from becoming commercially viable, efficient and sustainable.
Microsoft notes that smallholder farmers form an important part of the agricultural workforce in South Africa.
Lillian Barnard, Managing Director at Microsoft South Africa notes the investment is aimed at making a real difference in one of South Africa’s most vital sectors.
“There is no doubt that South Africa’s smallholder farmers have significant potential to drive growth and employment opportunities. As well as enable other sectors within the country to ultimately drive food security.
This makes it critical to invest in the sector to address the challenges they face. Key challenges are a lack of infrastructure, access to competitive formal markets, production and business skills, funding and financial support to re-invest in their farming activities, and compliance with foodsafety regulations and legislation.”
“Our investment is aimed at making a real difference in one of South Africa’s most vital sectors by harnessing the power of technology. High-impact technological solutions will improve efficiencies in smallholder farming, lower the cost of production, improve access to local and international markets, improve compliance with legislation, and drive access to information, among others.
By investing in the agriculture sector and unlocking the potential of technology to act as an enabler for growth and skills development, we are showing our commitment to driving sustainability and creating opportunities in one of South Africa’s most critical, job-creating industries.”
Lillian Barnard, Managing Director, Microsoft South Africa.
Investments in AgriTech
Last year, Microsoft South Africa announced a new evolved Microsoft Equity Equivalent Investment Programme to focus on investments in technology solutions in agriculture and digital transformation in the manufacturing sectors.
Central University of Technology, South Africa, is introducing an Artificial Intelligence university programme powered by Microsoft.
To firstly skill employees with the in-demand skill and secondly address the demand for the skill in the province and South Africa in general.
The Artificial Intelligence university programme is developed by Microsoft and will be delivered by Microsoft Partner Gijima. The initiative is also in partnership with the Free State Provincial Government.
It will comprise of a 12-month blended learning model of self-study, online learning, classroom instructor-led training and a flipped classroom. The program will include; Mentorship and coaching by industry experts, Business skills, Microsoft Azure AI Associate Certification, Flipped Classroom, Guest Lecturers, Career days, Examination and Certification.
The program is designed to pass on skills employers value and need. By teaching graduates with limited or no work experience to explore, transform, model, and visualise data. As well as to create the next generation of intelligent solutions.
The collaborative nature of the Artificial Intelligence university Programme will unlock the value of AI and the role it will play in workplaces of the future says Microsoft South Africa Managing Director, Lillian Barnard.
By bringing together private and public sector partners, students, facilitators, mentors, coaches, and industry experts, the programme will enable the development of critical AI skills that will help our young people become more work-ready and employable, as well as help organizations, adapt to the ever-changing demands of the world of work.
Lillian Barnard
The training and certification program started on the 3rd of July 2020 with the Innovation Services of CUT (CUTis) and the Free State Provincial Government. The program will become available to the general public for enrolment from 2021.
Microsoft announces the expansion of its Surface device range into the South Africa market. Starting with the introduction of Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3 for both commercial and consumer customers.
The devices will be available for consumers to purchase from Incredible Connection stores and Vodacom starting July 29, 2020.
Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3 continue the brand’s tradition. Of best-in-class productivity, security, mobility and speed, the company notes. It introduces new processors and modern connectivity options in a world of remote work and learning.
“Rapid and continuous change define modern living and working – and the shift to remote working and education requires the right tools to stay productive and connected securely,” said Vithesh Reddy, Consumer and Channel Marketing Director at Microsoft South Africa.
“Microsoft’s Surface family is designed for just that kind of versatility, portability and productivity, so people can work and play faster, better, and stay connected wherever they are. As with previous Surface devices, we have delivered best-in-class upgrades for our new additions to the family, to ensure that individuals and organisations have access to the optimal performance they need to achieve more in the office, classroom, or out in the field.”
The Surface Pro 7 takes Microsoft’s iconic 2-in-1 design to the next level, with a faster and more versatile device for professionals on the go. Powered by a 10th Generation Intel® Core™ processor, Fast Charging, all-day battery1 and Instant On, the Surface Pro 7 provides modern connectivity with USB-C™ and USB-A ports.
Access to the latest devices
Businesses and consumers across South Africa will also have access to the latest edition of Microsoft’s most beloved laptop series. The new Surface Laptop 3 makes a statement though a thin, light, and elegant design, offering rich tone-on-tone colour options and new metal keyboard finishes. Surface Laptop 3 is now available in two sizes – 13.5-inch and 15-inch and features a vibrant PixelSense™ Display touchscreen.
The device delivers improved speed and performance with the latest 10th Generation Intel® Core™ processor, up to 11.5 hours battery life2, and Instant On. The Surface Laptop 3 15-inch consumer offering is powered by the AMD Ryzen™ Surface Edition processor.
“The Surface family has always transcended market expectations. – Whether in the consumer or corporate segment. – Providing devices at the leading edge of innovation, and establishing new benchmarks for excellence,” said Reddy.
“At each iteration, we elevate the entire Microsoft ecosystem, ensuring our devices evolve into a line of products that cover the widest possible range of individual and business use cases – versatile, adaptable, powerful and secure to enable remote working or schooling.”
Adds Gary Pickford, CCO at Tarsus Distribution, “We’re excited to introduce the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Pro 7 products to the South African market, offering a new, Windows-powered alternative in the premium mobile segment. The models we are providing to our channel offer a blend of speed, style and versatility for notebook and tablet users looking for a Windows device with a high-quality finish and a device that balances security, aesthetics, speed and versatility.”
Pricing and Support
Recommended retail pricing for the Surface Pro 7 starts at R17 999.00. And the Surface Laptop 3 starts at R22 999.00.
The good things about the new market is that devices will come with support, warranties and extended warranties. To find out more about Microsoft Surface devices in South Africa, visit https://support.microsoft.com/en-ZA. Or call 0860 22 55 67 weekdays 9am – 9pm and weekends 10am – 6pm.
Droppa, South Africa on-demand delivery digital platform service expands its service offering with the launch of “Droppa Express”. Bringing express delivery for light-weight items within a 25 km radius in just 24 hours.
The express service will cater for the delivery of goods such as food, parcels, books, stationery and other smaller items under 25 kg. Promising an affordable rate, it will be available in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Delivery bookings can be made through the company website droppa.co.za. Or app which is available as a free download on Android and IOS platforms.
“Droppa is continuously looking to enhance current service offerings. Or to introduce new ones that meet the requirements of our customer base across South Africa’s four major cities,” says Khathu Mufamadi, Droppa CEO.
Droppa moves into essential services
Earlier this month, the on-demand e-hailing company announced it is pivoting in response to the new Covid-19 lockdown imposed by the government.
The company’s original operating model allows patrons and businesses to request a truck/bakkie for all furniture removals and logistics, also operates in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban.
Droppa now offers its services to businesses rendering essential services. Such as retail stores, warehouses, fresh produce farms and medical suppliers. It will also be made available to members of the public who require essential goods delivered to them.
In a similar way to Uber, Droppa does not own trucks. Instead, it has driver-partners that have registered their vehicles. Thus empowering and providing employment opportunities for many South Africans.
“The Covid-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented threat to businesses worldwide. Companies must react in different ways to ensure business continuity, improve the resilience of their supply chain, or pivot to innovate ways to generate revenue” concludes Mufamadi.
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Standard Bank is offering a free online Microsoft Digital Literacy Course to all South Africans in partnership with Pioneering Solutions Studio.
The courses focus on generic ICT skills and concepts. How to use a computer and the Internet. keeping yourself and your computer safe online. As well as how to use the most common Microsoft productivity software applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
The online course is open to all South Africans during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. You also don’t need to have a Standard Bank account to use the platform. It explores a range of digital skills and practices over four key modules. Providing the learner with the ability to utilise technology to interact with the world around them.
To register, learners will need a device, such as a phone, tablet or computer, with internet connectivity, a valid email address, together with their South African ID number. Learners that do not have an email address can register for a free Microsoft Outlook email account from the platform. Upon completion they will be issued with a Microsoft Imagine Academy certificate. This certificate will allow South African’s to claim recognition of prior learning in Digital Literacy at any institution of higher learning.
According to United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), there are nearly 1.4 billion students globally who can’t attend school and university as a result of COVID-19. Millions of people around the world are also unable to work as a result of quarantine and lockdowns.
In its latest Global Shapers Report, the World Economic Forum referred to online learning as the future of education. StatsSA’s most recent Labour Force Survey shows upskilling courses significantly increase the likelihood of employment. With more employers favouring employees that have had continuous development as professionals.
In today’s digital world, nearly every career requires digital communication at some point. Standard Bank believes that equipping yourself with the skills to effectively and responsibly find, evaluate, communicate and share online content is key to your future. “You need a certain level of digital literacy to turn on your computer. So that you can connect with loved ones but require different skills to locate and complete an online job application. Standard Bank wants you to be digital literacy savvy, whether you bank with us or not”.
The course will continue to be available post the lockdown period. To learn more about the Microsoft Digital Literacy course – visit learn section on the Standard Bank website.
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