Thohoyandou: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in collaboration with Vhembe District Municipality and the University of Venda, is set to host an innovation workshop at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. The event, scheduled for Thursday, will also see participation from the Vhembe Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
According to South African Government News Agency, this initiative forms part of a broader mandate to support South African innovators from the initial idea stage through to the development of prototypes, protection of intellectual property, and the commercialisation of innovations. The workshop aims to discover technologies emerging from underdeveloped rural and township communities, while also creating networking opportunities for technology development and commercialisation.
The Acting Chief Director of Operations in the Investment and Spatial Industrial Development branch of the dtic, Takalani Ramuthaga, highlighted the direct link between innovation and economic growth. She noted that there is a correlation between countries that are innovative and those that are industrialised. The workshop will provide entrepreneurs in the Vhembe district and surrounding areas with access to information on innovation support instruments and other dtic incentives.
Ramuthaga further explained that engaging with innovators and entrepreneurs in rural and township areas has the potential to stimulate local economic activity and growth. The innovators will receive information on the Khoebo Innovation Promotion Programme (KIPP), which aims to invigorate township and rural economies by supporting Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises and start-ups. This programme is supported by other initiatives, such as the Support Programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII), which acts as a feeder for KIPP.
Given that agriculture is a major economic activity in Limpopo, additional information on incentives in agro-processing and manufacturing support will be shared with participants. Beyond disseminating information, the workshop seeks to identify gaps in innovation support programmes, especially those that address markets and local communities' needs, including in townships and rural areas.
Ramuthaga emphasised the valuable knowledge that exists in townships and rural areas, often lacking infrastructure and services. She stated that government intervention, in the form of funding, exposure, and linkages with existing instruments, is essential. The workshop aims to identify and unearth innovative solutions.
The event will also raise awareness of the valuable knowledge and skills present in townships and identify innovations that can be supported through dtic's existing innovation instruments and other stakeholders. Presentations will cover programmes from various entities, including the dtic, Department of Small Business Development, Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency, Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, UNIVEN, Vhembe Municipality, and other supporting entities on their products and services.