The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), in collaboration with Buhler launched a new innovation aimed at boosting agro-processing called Isigayo in Johannesburg on Friday, 12 April 2013. The launch was attended by more than hundred stakeholders in the maize milling.
The launch is in line with the dti’s Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) in establishing a commercially viable small scale maize milling sector that will increase competition in the currently concentrated milling industry.
The acting Deputy Director-General responsible for industrial policy at the dti Mr Garth Strachan said the new Isigayo maize milling machine will introduce new technology which will bring new entrants into the market including, Small Medium Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
“South Africa’s foreign direct investment into manufacturing is robust and the 12i Tax Incentive of R5.66 billion has supported large manufacturing worth R22.5 billion and a large proportion of which has been in the Agro-processing sector,” said Strachan.
He also said that it was common knowledge that primary agriculture and agro-processing, especially the milling sector, plays an important role in addressing poverty, transformation and rural economy.
Calvin Griender, Group Chief Executive Officer of Buhler, said the Isigayo maize milling plant will not only create jobs, develop skills and provide affordable and improved nutrition, but will also empower and generate income for entrepreneurs and existing small scale millers.
“Over the years government has put great effort in supporting agro-processing and we, as Buhler, support this initiative by introducing the Isigayo,” said Griender.
The Isigayo is fitted with standard Buhler equipment and is pre-assembled in two containers, and pre-engineered as a complete milling plant. There is very little infrastructure necessary and the mill is easily transportable. This is especially beneficial for SMME’s that are expanding into milling.
Acting DDG at the dti Mr Garth Strachan second from right with Buhler GCEO Calvin Griender standing behind the new Isigayo Maize Milling plant that was launched in Johannesburg today.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe-Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
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