South Africa still faces a challenge of alarming unemployment rate, but with a strong industrialisation strategy and broadening participation in the economy, the country can create significant number of jobs. This is according to the Director-General of the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), Mr Lionel October. He was speaking at the prestigious National Technology Awards, hosted by the dti at the iNkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, last night.
He stated that only 9% of the economy is in the hands of blacks and we need to expand in making sure that black industrialists are created. Director-General October also cautioned that no country has ever expanded through the natural resources only.
“The heart of expanding industrialisation should be the expansion of the entrepreneurs base along-side broadening participation for black industrialists and creating the link between small and big businesses,” adds October.
According to him, the best way to support Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) is by grouping them together, and the Incubation programme has proved this.
“Currently government has launched 42 incubators, with the target of 250 in three years across the country and they have created quite a good number of jobs. This is the best platform that a country can use to promote broader economic participation”, highlighted Director-General October.
More than 250 business people in the ICT sector attended the awards which consisted of 12 winners in different categories under the Seda Technology Programme (STP), The Support Programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII) and Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP).
The purpose of the Awards is to raise awareness on the benefits of using technology to improve the competitiveness of enterprises. The awards recognise individuals and organisations that contributed towards technology development and innovation in South Africa. They are also aimed at inspiring and encouraging creativity and technological innovativeness amongst business people by rewarding those that make use of technology to advance their business.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 079 492 1774
Tel: 012 394 1650
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
Twitter: @the_dti
