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Sentech - Connecting you

 

Sentech is Africa’s largest Broadcast Signal Distributor and is all about connecting you to your world and connecting the world to you. 

 

Gearing up for 2010

Through its satellite infrastructure, Sentech brought you the sounds of radio and the visions of television for the Confederations Cup and will do the same for the 2010 FIFA World Cup TM.

 

For the 2009 Confederations Cup, Sentech has successfully installed the required satellite infrastructure at the four (4) stadia being; Mangaung, Royal Bafokeng, Loftus Versfeld and Ellis Park.  For the 2010 FIFA World Cup Sentech will install the required satellite infrastructure at the remaining six (6) stadia, being; Peter Mokaba, Mbombela, Soccer City, Moses Mabhida (King’s Park), Nelson Mandela Bay and Greenpoint.

 

In the pipeline…

Through its infrastructure, Sentech has been tasked with the migration from analogue to digital.  The Company was instructed by Government to switch on the digital television signal by November 2008, a task that was achieved two days in advance. In addition, Sentech is successfully operating a Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) pilot for SABC and e.tv providing 33.3% population coverage.  Sentech anticipates that by March 2010, it will provide 63.3% population coverage.

 

Walking the talk

Sentech is all about empowerment.  In a previously male-dominated industry, Sentech has been able to soar to success under the leadership of South Africa’s most sought after women.  At the head of this steady ship is Dr Sebiletso Mokone Matabane, a broadcasting veteran with more than 25 years in the industry.  Dr. Mokone-Matabane is the epitome of success in a previously male-dominated arena. During her career she has received the BBQ Businesswoman of the Year Award (2004), ICT Leadership Award (2006), the ICT Businesswoman of the Year Award (2006) and the 2007 award as South Africa’s Most Influential Businesswoman in Business and Government in the ICT category.

 

Empowerment through Corporate Social Investment

The ICT industry needs highly-skilled people who are self-motivated and passionate – not only about technology, but how technology can impact positively on the lives of people. Sentech is committed to skills development in line with JipSA and, in particular, seeks to train and recruit previously disadvantaged groups and women in the technical fields through its learnerships and internship programmes.

 

Sentech has been able to turn the wheels of management with a sturdy female representation at all management levels as well as in the technical, broadcasting arena.  To ensure that this is carried through to the next generation, Sentech participates in initiatives such as “take-a-girl-child-to-work” day, an initiative targeted at exposing female scholars to opportunities in the business sector.

 

Sentech has participated in this initiative since its inception and this year the Company partnered with Itirele/Senzele Comprehensive High School in Diepsloot by inviting 20 female scholars from grades 10 to 12 to spend the day at Sentech. Staff members were also afforded the chance to bring their children, friends or relatives in these grades to the event.  A total of 34 girl learners were hosted at the Head Office in Fourways as well as the Sender Technology Park (STP) in Honeydew, Johannesburg. 

The girls were addressed by the CEO, Dr. Sebiletso Mokone-Matabane who urged the girls to take pride in themself and understand their pivotal role as young women in shaping the future of the ICT industry and that of South Africa as a whole. 

After the speeches the girls were taken on a tour at STP where they were attended to by female Sentech technicians.

When asked about the feeling towards spending the day at Sentech, a learner from Itirele/Senzele Comprehensive High School said that the Sentech visit was very enlightening, especially the career opportunities within the Company and the ICT Sector. She also said that it’s quite encouraging to see so many women leaders at Sentech which gives them hope as young women.

Sentech’s flagship CSI initiatives focus on bridging the digital divide.  Year-on-year students in their matriculation year interested in science and technology are invited to apply for bursaries at Sentech.  The Company is very proud of the increase in learners going into the ICT sector and have seen a growth in female learners who do their in-service training at the organisation.  Sentech is committed to women empowerment and sees its role as mentor to the youth, in particular females seeking to penetrate the male-dominated ICT Sector.