Farmer, student, desktop support technician, network consultant, CCNA, and CCNP
- is a career path that reflects Daniel Sedibeng's determination to
seize the opportunities available to him at different stages of both
his and his country's development. At only 25 years of age, Daniel
is currently enjoying a successful career in information technology.
And, he is poised to become one of South Africa's leading entrepreneurs
in the not too distant future.
Daniel's vision and leadership, a personal strategy for growth, a fierce determination to succeed, and extraordinary dedication to ongoing education are what set him apart from the rest.
Daniel grew up in Ge-Droogte, a small rural village in the Limpopo province. After graduating in 1997 from the University of the North, a historically black university in South Africa, with a bachelor's degree in computer science, he quickly landed a one-year contract position as a desktop support technician at the university.
Achieving a Competitive Edge in the Job Market
Daniel found that when he graduated from the University of the North,
he had the education and the knowledge, but still lacked a certain
level of credibility. In a climate still dealing with the history
of apartheid, Daniel recalls the negative reactions he received when
asked about his education, "People would say, 'Oh, you went to that
university.'"
In order to get to the next level of his career, Daniel applied to the Cisco Networking Academy Program at the Institute for Satellite and Software Applications (ISSA). This facility was formerly the Houwteq government base for covert satellite surveillance and rocket launch and testing. Soon after Nelson Mandela was elected President, it was converted and now provides the training and education that will help black South Africans bridge the digital divide.
Daniel was in ISSA's pilot Cisco Networking Academy class in 1998. The group quickly bonded around the challenges of the implementation. There were delays in delivering the equipment and identifying the instructor so the students took the initiative to study the course material on their own, and worked together to try to connect the routers.
Even with the initial delays, Daniel and the class were motivated
to move quickly in their studies when Bob Larson, a Cisco instructor
from Greenriver Community College in Kent, Washington, (USA) went
on assignment to South Africa.
"The students in the ISSA class are the sharpest group I've ever taught," says Bob. "But Daniel was one of the bright spots. He was one of two leaders in the class. He got people organized, and helped the team devise solutions to whatever problems or challenges they were faced with."
Less than twelve months later, a very grateful Daniel says about Larson, "He was like our father. I refer to him as a savior - he rescued us. He had all the answers. He even taught us some communication and business skills so that we would be well-equipped in interview and business situations."
Creating New Jobs and Opportunities
Daniel completed the program, earned his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA™) certification and had several job offers upon graduation from ISSA. Prior to joining his current employer, Sourcecom Technology Solutions, as a Network Consultant, he attained his Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP™) certification.
Daniel says that although his networking education has been economically rewarding, it's not all about money. "Although there is still racial tension, the Cisco certification has unlocked many opportunities," says Daniel. "When we meet with a client and they're told we have our CCNAs, they respect us. Without the certification, people don't believe you can do the job and they won't let you touch a router or switch."
"Having the certification is proof you can do the job. Now, I'm referred to as a Cisco guru. Attitudes have really changed," he adds.
With his own hard work and perseverance, Daniel aims to attain an MBA, move into management and eventually establish his own company. "Daniel is intelligent, friendly and honest," says Bob. "And, he has the political savvy and the skill set to run a successful company."
Daniel Sedibeng is making great strides in empowering the youth of South Africa just by being an exemplary role model. He has shown the next generation that it is possible to achieve success in the information and communication technology sector.
>>
More
Success Stories 
