On September 27, 2024, SAiS proudly celebrated the graduation of 20 interns from its Tshipidi Internship Program, all of whom have transitioned into the company as Junior ICT Consultants. This milestone not only reflects SAiS's dedication to cultivating job-oriented skills among Botswana's youth but also underscores its commitment to enhancing competitiveness in the ICT sector.
The Tshipidi Program serves as the flagship initiative aimed at equipping unemployed youth with practical skills tailored to meet industry demands. Guest speaker Dr Fernando Siamisang, Director of Human Resource Development Planning (Demand) at the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), emphasized the program's alignment with Botswana’s National Development Goals, particularly in support of VISION 2036, which envisions a competitive and creative workforce with global exposure.
SAiS's CEO, Bhaskar Nalamalapu, expressed his pride in the achievements of the interns during his address. "To date, we have trained 102 bright minds through the Tshipidi Internship Programme. This success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our valued customers who provided real-world challenges for our interns, as well as our dedicated mentors," he stated. Nalamalapu highlighted Botswana's potential to export its most precious resource—its skilled youth—alongside its renowned diamonds.
In a significant step forward, SAiS announced the launch of an AI-based digital solutions centre, backed by an investment of over five million Pula. This initiative aims to bolster the company’s capabilities and create additional opportunities for young innovators to excel. Additionally, SAiS is rebranding as SAiS Digital, reflecting its forward-looking commitment to technology and digital transformation.
The Tshipidi Program equips interns with essential skills such as self-management, analytical thinking, and problem-solving, while also fostering teamwork and communication abilities. Alumni Ntebogang W. Kgalemang remarked, “The Tshipidi Program bridged the gap between industry needs and what we offer as graduates, launching my career in business intelligence and data analytics.”
As SAiS Digital, the organization is poised to explore new possibilities, enhance client experiences, and contribute significantly to the evolving ICT landscape in Africa.