5 June 2006
Over 200 local and international delegates representing policy makers, Small
Medium and Micro-Enterprise (SMME) development agencies, entrepreneurs,
technology managers and skills development experts will converge at Birchwood
Executive Hotel and Conference Centre for a three-day conference (12-14 June)
hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) through its
implementing agency Tshumisano Trust.
A first of its kind to take place in Africa, the conference will tackle the
following issues:
* how research and innovation in government-funded academic institutions
could provide solutions for SMMEs and societies to be more competitive, thereby
meeting pressing economic and societal needs;
* how technology transfer and diffusion can and do alleviate problems within
more vulnerable communities. These include job and wealth creation, food and
water security, energy and environmental conservation as well as skills
development.
The conference will also serve as a platform for delegates to share
experiences and identify strategies to contribute towards promoting innovative
approaches and means of technology transfer and cooperation in Africa.
DST has achieved a leadership role in respect of its portfolio of technology
transfer and diffusion interventions. These instruments serve to direct
development support to small and medium enterprises. One of these interventions
is Tshumisano Trust, which focuses on forging strong partnerships with the
University of Technologies (UoT) to support SMMEs in specific technology
areas.
Established in 2002, Tshumisano's mandate is to provide support for the SMME
sector through its Technology Stations Programme (TSP). The TSP aim to
strengthen technological innovation activities and related skills upgrading to
increase the relative competitiveness of SMME's in targeted sectors,
including
automotive, agri-foods processing, electronics, metal value adding, chemicals,
metal casting, composite and molded plastic.
There are currently thirteen Technology Stations at various Universities of
Technology across the country.
Tshumisano works hand in hand with the UoT's in delivering its mandate.
"The Universities of Technology play a critical role in providing skilled
manpower through the adoption of co-operative education strategies combining
learning in the classroom while in the workplace" says Dr. David Phaho, CEO of
the Tshumisano Trust.
"The approach is a two-way learning process, in which SMMEs improve their
operations through technology assimilation and upgrading their innovation
capabilities, and for the UoT this process enriches their teaching and learning
activities by improving their equipment as well as their real world
understanding of the industry," continues Dr Phaho.
Tshumisano's success has seen the establishment of a number of successful
Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) companies. One of those is Yenza
Manufacturing, based in the Eastern Cape, and specialising in the automotive
sector. The company manufactures automotive components for local and exports
markets. The company provides key automotive parts to a number of well-known
original equipment manufacturers in the Port Elizabeth area.
"Tshumisano Trust is an excellent example of the role that Government Funded
Institutions can play in providing solutions for the SMMEs.
Through it, we have made good progress in addressing skills development gaps
that are recognized as critical within the sector" says Tshepo Motloung,
Technology Diffusion Manager, DST.
Enquiries: Nthabi Maoela
Deputy Director: Communication, Department of Science and Technology
Cell: 073 648 2876
E-mail: nthabiseng.maoela@dst.gov.za
For further details pertaining to the conference and registration, you may
log onto http://www.rpmeventsmanagement.co.za
Call us at: RPM Events Management Company
Contact: Ms Rakgadi Mokgethi/Jo-Anne Wyngaardt
Tel: (011) 316 7377/8/9
Fax: (011) 316 3168
Cell: 072 224 3552
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
5 June 2006
