Adaptation of digital transformation in rural areas: A CASE OF ADAMS MISSION BY NATASHA XULU Thank you for the opportunity to have this conversation ▪Greeting to my fellow Africans and our honored leaders ▪My name is Natasha Xulu ▪Professional trade: BAP (SA) – SAIBA ▪DATA Science and Design Thinking enthusiast ▪Secretary of the KZN BITF ▪Creator and Managing director of NXCA ▪Serial entrepreneur ▪ Champion of Sustainable Digital transformation in Africa. ▪Analytical, Creative and Collaborative in nature ▪Trained through the Thuthuka program and AGSA to be a chartered accountant. Index 1. Revolution reflection 2. Introduction: NXCA and BITF 3. Adams Mission Profile 4. Current State: Rural and township women involvement in technology and ICT related Business 5. Women in ICT 6. Conclusions 7. Contact information Revolution reflection source: 2020 4IR Commission report 4.0 Industrial revolution source: 2020 4IR Commission report NXCA ▪NXCA is an African owned Consulting and Accounting firm focused on helping African business ecosystems to be able to operate efficiently thus being able to grow and service African markets. ▪Physically operating in Adams mission while having a client foot print spread across through our digital office operating model. ▪Client profile: SME’s Informal and independent traders Government entities BLACK IT FORUM- KZN ▪Non-profit lobby group that works for effective transformation in the MICT sector for previously disadvantaged groups ▪We serve Business, Professionals and Youth in the MICT sector through joining as member every October Cycle. ▪KZN having adopted a model of ‘Pro-active protection of our province through 4IR implementation”- 2019 ▪Various development programs exist including an SME incubation environment, AVT-Skills programme, KBITF Skills JV ▪With a deliberate focus on the following 2 pillars for our working: I. Collaboration for growth between across our members II. Strategic Skills development for all everyone across sectors. Adams Mission Profile Adams Mission Profile ▪Established in 1836, A historically significant place that is located 36 KM away from CBD ▪Being lead effectively lead by a women Councilor A Mbele ▪Surrounded by townships Illovu, KwaMakhutha connecting to the Rural areas. ▪Strong presence of informal and independent traders ▪A construction boom has significantly boosted the economic development of the area ▪Urbanization of Durban has introduced a new influx of residents ▪Shoprite installed 4 of their Usave branches in recent years to take advantage of the growth in the areas ▪Pilot area for rural transformation project involving NXCA, KBITF and AMCSC a local non profit youth organization Current State Rural and township women involvement in technology and ICT related Business: No direct business as yet ▪Non- Awareness of opportunities ▪Skills compatibility available in Rural areas and ICT business needs ▪Connectivity ▪General application of technologies in Rural area- Construction Robot fears ▪Trust and support locally and from government entities ▪Cost of entry to the sector and adaptation of technologies Current State Rural and township women involvement in technology and ICT related Business: Possibilities ▪Collection of unbiased African Data for record keeping and decision making ▪Internet of things solutions designed by Africans ▪African Content producers- Telling African stories ▪Virtual reality designed by Africa's greatest Minds ▪Possible changing Africa future through the 21st century through our second recorded revolution as a continent. Current State Rural and township women involvement in technology and ICT related Business: Solutions ▪Investment in physical awareness campaigns. ▪Focused support for rural and township youth skills development. ▪Accelerate Connectivity and infrastructure development ▪Direct strategies on technological adaptation that is Africa centric and workshops to manage digital fear ▪Financial and Capital equipment support is needed- Licenses, laptops and cellphones as a start Women in ICT: Barriers to growth

▪Participation in ICT valuable work and contracts- competition with Multinationals, established Corporates and the male network. ▪Cost to entry for business ▪Trust and support for strategic work ▪Skills GAP ▪Sustained women prejudice that applies as working culture expectation currently. ▪Limited legal pressure to ensure that women effectively participate. Women in ICT: Solutions

▪Trust and strategic inclusion of women in business that is legal binding through performance reporting targets- in line with BBBEE requirements ▪Financial and Capital support to women in business- Licenses, laptops and cellphones as a start ▪Strategic placement of women in positions to influence policy and implementation of work. ▪Development of skilled labor to support the business owned by women. ▪Provincial commitment to development of women and underprivilege areas Conclusion

“Every Revolution has victims to our leaders please do not allow our people to be victims of greed and efficiencies through the 4th industrial revolution” Empower us as a people to be able to control value and design our land as Africans BITF and NXCA are committed to working. Thank you Contact Information: NXCA Natasha Xulu: Owner Cell number: 060 402 4939 Email address: [email protected]/ [email protected]

Nomfundo Zakwe: Executive assistance Cellphone Number: 0815126418 Email Address: [email protected]

A complete case study report on Adams Mission will be issued 28 February 2021 Contact Information: KZN BITF Website: https://bitfkzn.org.za/ Email address: [email protected]