Premier Senzo Mchunu addresses Industrial Efficiency Conference

The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Mr Senzo Mchunu says the manufacturing sector is still key in growing the economy and contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in South Africa. Mchunu was speaking at the two-day Industrial Efficiency Conference which started in Durban today.

The conference which is attended by more than two hundred delegates, aims to create a platform to raise awareness, educate and share information with industry on issues affecting the sustainability and profitability of manufacturing companies.

Mchunu said manufacturing should be brought to its prominence like in 1994 when it contributed 20% to South Africa’s GDP. He said this could only be done if all role players worked together and exchanged ideas on how to improve the sector.

“Big manufacturing companies need to work with government and pull those who are emerging so that the sector can expand and provide sustainable jobs for the country. The sector also needs to work with government to achieve transformation and transfer skills,” said Mchunu.

He added that the sector would only grow if resources and skills could be prioritised and innovations explored.

Addressing delegates at the same conference, the Chief Director of Industrial Procurement at the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), Dr Tebogo Makube said R2 billion had been allocated over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period to manufacturing development incentives. The funds are for the support of growing industries, such as Business Process Outsourcing.

“The Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme will spend R5.4 billion over the MTEF and will assist companies with financial support to upgrade production facilities,” he said.

He urged companies to make use of incentives from the dti and other government Development Finance Institutions in the country.

The Industrial Efficiency Conference is hosted by the National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa (NCPC-SA) in conjunction with the KwaZulu-Natal Manufacturing Indaba.

Enquiries:

Sidwell Medupe

Tel: 012 394 1650

Cell: 079 492 1774

E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za

SOURCE: SOUTH AFRICA OFFICIAL NEWS

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