IBM CSC — Three weeks in…

We’ve been working in Johannesburg for three weeks now and it’s been a very enlightening experience. We’ve spent the last few weeks scoping and analyzing our initial findings to be able to develop a high value recommendation on how we think the province can enable the acquisition of existing and new data to create insights to change from townships being necessity driven economies to ones of demand, ultimately leading to job creation.

We have been researching the informal and formal B2B marketplaces in the province that are predominantly in low socio-economic areas. We are looking at how more business can be generated within the townships own communities and with formalized enterprises and government organizations.

Our subteam has had quite an exciting project as we have been exposed to all sorts of potential partners in South Africa that have already started initiatives to tackle such issues as unemployment, infrastructure, supply chain, etc. From these sessions, we have been brainstorming on how AI, big data and predictive analytics could help form a platform for the townships to become more sustainable and scalable economies.

For us to be able to really understand the local economy, we have been taken on many site visits to the townships to see how they operate, such as the development of micro franchises and what they require to be able to succeed. We have also been taken on many sight seeing outings of a more touristy nature, all so that we can become immersed in the South Africa culture to better understand the entire ecosystem.

I have over 1,200 photos on my phone from this work assignment which is a definite record for me. I don’t normally take any pictures, but to capture the experience of being South Africa, it’s a must. I hope you enjoy the shots below.

Site visit — Distribution centre in the Township of Diepsloot

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve — Up close with the lions

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve — Wild dogs

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve — 5 month old white tiger cub — The cubs are kept in a designated area until they are big enough to enter the main part of the sanctuary

The Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeespoort Dam — they rescue elephants from all sorts of situations and eventually release them back into national parks

The Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeespoort Dam — Meeting Amarula (48 years old)

IBM South Africa Research Lab — Where we work when we are not with the client

IBM South Africa Research Lab — With our team’s Corp Citizen Manager

We also had the opportunity to do a community service day on a weekend with Grade 10 students from a local school, in partnership with Tech Savvy Kids SA. It’s part of a skills development program that focuses on innovation and leadership. We were broken up into 5 teams and the students had a choice of which topic they wanted to brainstorm on and provide a recommended solution for: Teen pregnancy, HIV, Cyber bullying, Domestic Violence and Township Economy.

Community Service Day — Township Economy team

Community Service Day — Reviewing the students ideas on the issues in their townships economy

Community Service Day — Helping the students to brainstorm on how they can contribute to economic development

And of course through all the working and culture immersion, we miss our homes! We have had a birthday party already and a Halloween party.

Birthday party at the hotel rooftop

One of my favourite experiences so far has been to attend a football match in the Township of Soweto. Everyone in the townships welcomes us to all places we visit.

Football game in the Township of Soweto

Our team at the Soweto football game

View from the hotel rooftop — makes me think of Toronto

#CSCZA18

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