Vodacom has launched the Vodacom Developer Programme (VDP), an innovative programme aimed at increasing the production of proudly South African applications for mobile handsets.

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) was selected as the first institution in KwaZulu- Natal to run this groundbreaking programme.

In a workshop held in the Information Technology department on Thursday March 15, fifty young post-graduate students and staff were cross-trained to develop software for various android mobile devices; making this a vendor-neutral (not based to any cellphone brand) project. In introduction to the workshop, VDP Project Leader Alice Hungwane said: “This initiative is mainly aimed at encouraging young talent, especially students, to practically participate in this space. This workshop will enhance their knowledge on mobile application development.”

According to the Enterprise Development Unit head Colin Thakur, an overwhelming majority of software that is downloaded in South Africa is developed overseas. This results in money being exported as users are charged to download this software.

Mobile application development is gaining popularity worldwide. By imparting knowledge to young IT specialists, Head of Information Technology Kesarie Singh said “this can create new entrepreneurs which will directly impact on our economy.”

Student attendees Marcus Pillay and Quintin Moodley said the workshop was “phenomenal”. The field of application development is relatively new to them, however both would love to pursue a career in it.

Thakur explained that this is not a knock-and-drop project as Vodacom and DUT are carefully planning a sustained focus with this initiative. The workshop will end on 16 March.

Pictured: VDP Project Leader Alice Hlungwane (centre) assists students with the Eclipse software during day one of the VDP workshop.
–Naledi Hlefane