The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, says manufacturing is a key driver of economic growth. Speaking at the PlatAfrica jewellery design and manufacturing gala dinner and awards ceremony, held in Sandton last night, Minister Pandor said manufacturing was the normal route to development.
She said that, while South Africa had an extensive manufacturing base, it was not competitive enough. She believes the South African manufacturing base needs to be further diversified and modernised so that it can contribute more to job creation and economic growth. Minister Pandor told the function that the Department of Science and Technology's strategies for promoting development in the manufacturing sector included beneficiation and localisation.
The annual PlatAfrica competition is one of Anglo American Platinum's beneficiation programmes, which promotes local jewellery design and craftsmanship among professionals and students.
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