The spotlight will shine on the Limpopo capital Polokwane on 20 October 2011 when the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies recognises and rewards technological innovation and excellence at the fifth version of Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) Technology Awards that will be held at the Bolivia Lodge.
More than five hundred guests from all over the country will watch in admiration as technology geniuses receive awards for their awe-inspiring and innovative inventions. This year’s awards will be preceded by an exhibition that will be open to the public, will be held under the theme Bridging Communities through Technology.
The purpose of the dti Technology 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.
According to Mr Sipho Zikode, the Deputy Director-General of the Enterprise Development Division (EDD), the Awards also include recognising individuals and organisation for their consistent efforts in advancing and promoting technology interests and innovation by marginalised groups.
The dti Technology Awards are a combination of the three dti technology programmes, namely the Support Programme for Industrial Innovation managed by the Industrial Development Corporation, Technology and Human Resource for Industry Programme, managed by the National Research Foundation, and the Seda Technology Programme managed by the Small Enterprise Development Agency.
Thirty six finalists will be vying for honours in twelve categories for which trophies and certificates will be awarded. The categories include amongst others Best performing Technology Transfer Intervention, Most Noticeable Impact on the Local Economy and Best Black Researcher.
Zikode says that the continual upgrading of an enterprise’s technological capability is not a luxury, but a necessity in order to stay competitive.
“That is why the dti has several programmes to promote innovation, technology transfer, incubation and human resource development. the dti Technology Awards 2011 provides an opportunity to showcase South African technology achievements supported by the dti,” he adds.
All finalists and the three dti technology programmes will be exhibiting their products and services to the general public from a day before the actual glittering Awards ceremony. The exhibition will also be attended by 400 learners from the local schools to encourage them to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology.
For further information contact:
Bongani Lukhele
Tel: 012 394 1643
Cell: 074 299 8512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedti.gov.za
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
