On 1 March 2010, the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, will launch a multimillion rand programme to improve the technology base of 28 foundries (companies that manufacture casting materials) in the country.
The media is invited to the launch, which takes place at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) International Convention Centre, Meiring Naudé Road, Brummeria, Pretoria, at 16:00.
Driven by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Technology Localisation Programme (TLP) is in line with government's Competitive Supplier Development Programme (CSDP), which is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the local supply base through a range of demand and supply-side measures.
This will assist local companies to leverage procurement opportunities from the government's large-scale infrastructure recapitalisation programme over the next 20 years.
The initiative is also linked to high-level government initiatives such as the Industrial Policy Action Programme (IPAP), developed to help South Africa reduce its trade deficit while improving its long-term manufacturing capacity – a significant step towards scaling up efforts to promote long-term industrialisation and industrial diversification beyond the current reliance on traditional commodities and non-tradable services.
It is important for local foundries to be globally competitive as they form the backbone upon which the country's supply chains can be further developed for big infrastructure programmes, such as the ones of Eskom and Transnet, to support and drive localisation.
Through the TLP initiative, foundries will be able to access expertise from the DST activities in Advanced Manufacturing and Light Metals.
The DST is working in partnership with the Departments of Trade and Industry, and Public Enterprises, the foundry industry and development agencies to drive localisation in the country.
Launch of DST technology localisation programme:
Venue: CSIR International Convention Centre
Date and Time: 1 March 2010 at 16:00
Dress Code: Formal
Programme:
Pre-meeting Exhibition (16:00-16:45)
16h45-16h50: Welcome: Mr. Ayanda Myoli, (Technology Localisation Consultant, DST)
16h50-17h00: Background to the Launch of the Technology Localisation Programme, Ms M. Pyoos (Deputy Director-General, Socio Economic Partnership, DST)
17h00-17h10: Opening address: Minister N. Pandor
17h10-17h25: Technology Localisation for the Foundry Industry: Mr. Ayanda Myoli, (Technology Localization Consultant, DST)
17h25-17h40: Implementation of the Technology Assistance Packages: Dr. Willie du Preez (Manager, Metals & Metal Processes, CSIR)
17h40-17h55: Implementation of the Technology Assistance Packages: Dr. Jones Papo, (Head of Physical Metallurgy, Mintek)
17h55-18h25: Questions & Answers Mr. Ayanda Myoli, (Technology Localisation Consultant, DST)
18h25-18h30: Closure: Mr. Ayanda Myoli, (Technology Localisation Consultant, DST)
18h30: Dinner is served
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Veronica Mohapeloa
Tel: 012 843 6788
Cell: 082 882 3818
E-mail: veronica.mohapeloa@dst.gov.za
or
Ministerial spokesperson, Mr Lunga Ngqengelele
Tel: 012 843 6802
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: lunga.ngqengelele@dst.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
26 February 2010
