MEC of Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Hon. Lebogang Maile, e-Government Department and The Innovation Hub (The Innovation agency of the Gauteng Province) will officially launch the eKasiLab Soweto facility at the Soweto Empowerment Zone in Diepkloof on Friday, 18 November 2016.
The programme, which is a partnership between The Innovation Hub and City of Joburg will see startup entrepreneurs in the Smart Industry (ICT and advance manufacturing), green economy, biosciences and creative space sectors benefitting from the programme. eKasiLabs are business incubation programmes that provide support services for township entrepreneurs and are used as a vehicle to promote the culture of Innovation and entrepreneurship in the township and to ensure that local communities are able to access the same services and facilities that are offered at The Innovation Hub which is situated/based the City of Tshwane.
There are currently three eKasiLabs programme, one in Soweto, Garankuwa and Alexandra and work is in progress to launch more of these facilities namely eKasiLab -Vaal / Sebokeng, EkasiLab Mohlakeng, eKasiLab –Tembisa and eKasiLab –Mamelodi.
These Labs will focus not only on providing opportunities for talented or promising township based youth but also develop solutions that align with the eGovernment Department priorities as well promote the culture of Innovation and entrepreneurship in the township with specific focus on new innovative output in the community, in line with Transformation, modernisation and re-industrialisation / Township Economy Revitalisation provincial economic policies
Details of the launch are as follows:
Venue: Soweto Empowerment Zone, 431 Old Putco Building Chris Hani Road Diepkloof
Date: Friday, 18 November 2016
Time: 10h00 to 13h00
RSVP:
Linah Nematandani
E-mail: lnematandani@theinnovationhub.com
Tel: 012 844 0030
Cell: 071 673 9964
Follow us on twitter: @InnovHub | Facebook/InnovHubZA
For media enquiries please contact Mr John Sukazi, Spokesperson for the MEC for Finance on 083 980 5079 or john.sukazi@gauteng.gov.za; or Mary-Jane Mguli Spokesperson for the MEC for Economic Development on 082 258 2121 or mary-jane.mguli@gauteng.gov.za
