Microsoft South Africa ’ s mission is to empower every person and organisation on the planet to achieve more . The breadth and depth of our mission unlocks unprecedented opportunity as technology transforms every industry and has the power to make a difference in the lives of everyone . Our mission is grounded in both the world in which we live and the future we strive to create and speaks to our worldview , which is rooted in the intelligent edge and intelligent cloud . The intelligent edge is the interface between the cloud and the real world . It is the layer of devices we use to access the data in the cloud , speeding up the processing power of the internet of things , helping this new world to react faster to changing conditions , and become more efficient .

In this new world our clients are looking to digitally transform their businesses and to drive empowered experiences for the employees and customers . Microsoft exists to help them realise this through the solutions we build . Our Business applications , Applications and Infrastructure , and Data and Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) solutions , are designed to help accomplish effective digital transformation , by empowering employees , engaging customers , optimising operations and transforming products . Through gaming , Modern life , and Modern workplace we are driving quality engagement to create empowered experiences .

Microsoft is democratising technology so that every business can truly harness the power of this digital era . We are leaders in Artificial Intelligence ( AI ), embedding intelligence everywhere , and enabling every individual and organisation to leverage the power of AI affordably , efficiently and effectively . The power of this emerging technology presents a huge opportunity , but it also comes with a huge responsibility . Our approach is built around trust , inclusion and ethical AI . We work hard to ensure compliance with key privacy enactments , such as GDPR and POPI . In the cybersecurity space we have led cross-industry initiatives , like the Cybersecurity Tech Accord , and have called on governments to do more , through initiatives such as a Digital Geneva Convention . We are also working to ensure we translate our industry-leading research in AI into broadly implementable tools and guidance that everyone can leverage ethically and responsibly .

Microsoft believes that to empower every person and organisation on the planet we must enable the communities in which we work . In the past year Microsoft has invested more than US $ 2.8 million in education and skills development often as part of public-private partnerships . In Gauteng we have partnered with the Provincial Government to develop online mass learning system Thint ’ iMillion and nationally we have partnered with the Department of Education to train 8000 teachers enabling them to leverage technology and drive STEM as career opportunity for learners .

Over the past three years , Microsoft has invested more than US $ 25-million in more than 2,300 NGOs across South Africa . Our latest investments include equipping 100 Youth Employment Services community hubs with Office 365 , partnering with the Sun Flower Fund to improve targeted donor recruitment through bone marrow mapping and AI and working with the Peace Parks Foundation to use AI to fight poaching .

Microsoft partners with organisations to develop internet connectivity in underserved communities . We are currently driving two key projects , in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape , that leverage TV White Space technology to provide broadband Internet access .