Date: 09/09/2004
Source: Ministry of Trade and Industry
Title: M Mpahlwa: Technology & Human Resources for Industry Programme annual awards
KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY, M MPAHLWA, AT THE TECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN RESOURCES FOR INDUSTRY PROGRAMME ANNUAL AWARDS, 9 September 2004
IMPROVING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND DIFFUSION
Dr. Khotso Mokhele, President of the National Research Foundation, Dr. Willem Barnard, Chairperson of the THRIP Advisory Board,
Honoured guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen
It gives me great pleasure to be delivering this address given the critical importance of technology in today's economy. A few decades ago, classical economists recognised only two factors that were essential for economic production, namely labour and capital. Today, in this era of globalisation, knowledge and technology are of equal significance to grow an economy. It is thus imperative that we understand the important role that technology plays both in the public and the private sectors of our economy in order to apply technology in a manner that benefits society.
Science and technology holds the key to addressing some of the major economic and social challenges that confront our country; and is an issue that is relevant to both the first and second economy. In order to achieve greater integration of the first and second economy so that we are able to concurrently grow our economic base and lift people out of the poverty of the second economy, one cannot look at only providing support and technologically enabling the first economy. While it may be 'easier' to focus our efforts on the first economy, there are many long-term disadvantages to this, as the so-called 'digital divide' grows and makes it increasingly difficult to enter the first economy. Throughout the world the need to address underdevelopment has become a priority and technology has increasingly been seen as a tool to achieve this.
Addressing the needs of the second economy
Ladies and gentlemen, the problems facing the second economy strike a deep chord in the hearts of most South Africans. Many of the country's rural and urban poor, informal traders, and micro entrepreneurs form part of this second economy and their participation in mainstream economic activities is either minimal or on the periphery.
The challenge is how to address the technological needs of the second economy given its composition. The first step that we need to take is to make a public commitment to addressing the second economy and that we explore creative ways to achieving this goal.
For example, the Department of Trade and Industry was recently mandated at the President's international advisory council on ICT to work with the Department of Communications to develop mechanisms to assist communities in utilising ICT to meet their needs.
Initial success has already been achieved with the ICT solution for the micro enterprise project, a collaborative effort implemented in conjunction with the African Chamber of Hawkers and Informal Business. Through this partnership 3000 ACHIB members have access to buyers bankcards and soon a system will be in place that delivers real time fresh produce prices via SMS messaging.
Although, at first blush, these technology enabled business improvement solutions may not seem significant, it amounts to a revolution for the micro businessperson.
Another means to respond to the challenges of technology in the second economy is to facilitate partnerships between existing successful enterprises and enterprises located in the informal sector, as well as to close the gap between the research community and this part of our economy.
Challenges of technology development
Our nation holds lofty ideals for economic growth that benefits all. Our scientific community, to a large extent, need to take the competitive advantage afforded by THRIP to optimise their knowledge production initiatives. These ideals coupled with evidence that our experience of the decline in the renewal of our human resource capacity in science and technology demands a focused intervention to build a knowledge driven economy.
Ladies and Gentlemen, our scientists are aged and our youth are not optimally participating in science, engineering and technology fields, which will create problems for our society if not addressed. This issue has been noted by President Mbeki, who mentioned in his introduction to South Africa's National Research and Development Strategy, that it is important to ensure that as many South Africans as possible master modern technologies and integrate them in their social activities, including education, delivery of services and economic activity.
It is against this backdrop that an effort to grow and develop our programmes to encourage the participation of researchers in knowledge development in the Science, Engineering and Technology disciplines has become paramount, as this will not only permeate government's intention to restructure the economy, but also assist in the eradication of poverty, unemployment, dreaded diseases and many other social ills that confront our nation today.
Our choice and decision-making as Government to support Research and Development in a world of limited resources to meet the needs of all citizens in society remains critical. Therefore, the basic technology knowledge that we create through activities undertaken at our institutions not only assist us in carrying out our mandates and serve the South African economic citizens better, but ensures that we develop a common understanding that creates coherence and alignment of our policies and programs.
The dti is proud to play such an important role in the fostering of research collaborations between the government, the private sector, higher education institutions and science councils through the Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme. We are also proud to be developing technology that contributes to improving the quality of life of our people.
Conclusion
Regarding today's occasion, I am certain that the THRIP annual report handed over to the dti will provide us with improved results regarding our expectations within the broader perspectives of the Department's key mandate and alignment to key national objectives. In addition, as we recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements and contributions in the Science, Engineering and Technology by researchers, we acknowledge with appreciation, those industrial partners, who over the years, have contributed to THRIP. Ladies and gentlemen, the products on display today, which have been developed with the support of THRIP, are examples of such excellence. I would like to extend an invitation to all of you to view the products displayed on the foyer after the formalities have been concluded.
Ten years of living under a democratic dispensation puts us in a position where we can pride ourselves on this flagship programme and progress made in advancing skilled human resources. Certainly, today also marks the impact that THRIP has made to the science, engineering and technology fields. By honouring the recipients of the awards today, we trust that not only do we encourage them to bring about new knowledge but also to contribute towards economic growth.
In conclusion challenges in technology development manifest themselves in different ways, it is through such programmes as THRIP, that Government endorses improved opportunities in the underdeveloped economy. The wide variety of activities encompassed through Government's supply-side measures have a common goal, which is that of creating sustainable employment, high levels of growth and equity.
I thank you
Issued by: Ministry of Science and Technology
9 September 2004
Source: Ministry of Trade and Industry
Title: M Mpahlwa: Technology & Human Resources for Industry Programme annual awards
KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY, M MPAHLWA, AT THE TECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN RESOURCES FOR INDUSTRY PROGRAMME ANNUAL AWARDS, 9 September 2004
IMPROVING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND DIFFUSION
Dr. Khotso Mokhele, President of the National Research Foundation, Dr. Willem Barnard, Chairperson of the THRIP Advisory Board,
Honoured guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen
It gives me great pleasure to be delivering this address given the critical importance of technology in today's economy. A few decades ago, classical economists recognised only two factors that were essential for economic production, namely labour and capital. Today, in this era of globalisation, knowledge and technology are of equal significance to grow an economy. It is thus imperative that we understand the important role that technology plays both in the public and the private sectors of our economy in order to apply technology in a manner that benefits society.
Science and technology holds the key to addressing some of the major economic and social challenges that confront our country; and is an issue that is relevant to both the first and second economy. In order to achieve greater integration of the first and second economy so that we are able to concurrently grow our economic base and lift people out of the poverty of the second economy, one cannot look at only providing support and technologically enabling the first economy. While it may be 'easier' to focus our efforts on the first economy, there are many long-term disadvantages to this, as the so-called 'digital divide' grows and makes it increasingly difficult to enter the first economy. Throughout the world the need to address underdevelopment has become a priority and technology has increasingly been seen as a tool to achieve this.
Addressing the needs of the second economy
Ladies and gentlemen, the problems facing the second economy strike a deep chord in the hearts of most South Africans. Many of the country's rural and urban poor, informal traders, and micro entrepreneurs form part of this second economy and their participation in mainstream economic activities is either minimal or on the periphery.
The challenge is how to address the technological needs of the second economy given its composition. The first step that we need to take is to make a public commitment to addressing the second economy and that we explore creative ways to achieving this goal.
For example, the Department of Trade and Industry was recently mandated at the President's international advisory council on ICT to work with the Department of Communications to develop mechanisms to assist communities in utilising ICT to meet their needs.
Initial success has already been achieved with the ICT solution for the micro enterprise project, a collaborative effort implemented in conjunction with the African Chamber of Hawkers and Informal Business. Through this partnership 3000 ACHIB members have access to buyers bankcards and soon a system will be in place that delivers real time fresh produce prices via SMS messaging.
Although, at first blush, these technology enabled business improvement solutions may not seem significant, it amounts to a revolution for the micro businessperson.
Another means to respond to the challenges of technology in the second economy is to facilitate partnerships between existing successful enterprises and enterprises located in the informal sector, as well as to close the gap between the research community and this part of our economy.
Challenges of technology development
Our nation holds lofty ideals for economic growth that benefits all. Our scientific community, to a large extent, need to take the competitive advantage afforded by THRIP to optimise their knowledge production initiatives. These ideals coupled with evidence that our experience of the decline in the renewal of our human resource capacity in science and technology demands a focused intervention to build a knowledge driven economy.
Ladies and Gentlemen, our scientists are aged and our youth are not optimally participating in science, engineering and technology fields, which will create problems for our society if not addressed. This issue has been noted by President Mbeki, who mentioned in his introduction to South Africa's National Research and Development Strategy, that it is important to ensure that as many South Africans as possible master modern technologies and integrate them in their social activities, including education, delivery of services and economic activity.
It is against this backdrop that an effort to grow and develop our programmes to encourage the participation of researchers in knowledge development in the Science, Engineering and Technology disciplines has become paramount, as this will not only permeate government's intention to restructure the economy, but also assist in the eradication of poverty, unemployment, dreaded diseases and many other social ills that confront our nation today.
Our choice and decision-making as Government to support Research and Development in a world of limited resources to meet the needs of all citizens in society remains critical. Therefore, the basic technology knowledge that we create through activities undertaken at our institutions not only assist us in carrying out our mandates and serve the South African economic citizens better, but ensures that we develop a common understanding that creates coherence and alignment of our policies and programs.
The dti is proud to play such an important role in the fostering of research collaborations between the government, the private sector, higher education institutions and science councils through the Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme. We are also proud to be developing technology that contributes to improving the quality of life of our people.
Conclusion
Regarding today's occasion, I am certain that the THRIP annual report handed over to the dti will provide us with improved results regarding our expectations within the broader perspectives of the Department's key mandate and alignment to key national objectives. In addition, as we recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements and contributions in the Science, Engineering and Technology by researchers, we acknowledge with appreciation, those industrial partners, who over the years, have contributed to THRIP. Ladies and gentlemen, the products on display today, which have been developed with the support of THRIP, are examples of such excellence. I would like to extend an invitation to all of you to view the products displayed on the foyer after the formalities have been concluded.
Ten years of living under a democratic dispensation puts us in a position where we can pride ourselves on this flagship programme and progress made in advancing skilled human resources. Certainly, today also marks the impact that THRIP has made to the science, engineering and technology fields. By honouring the recipients of the awards today, we trust that not only do we encourage them to bring about new knowledge but also to contribute towards economic growth.
In conclusion challenges in technology development manifest themselves in different ways, it is through such programmes as THRIP, that Government endorses improved opportunities in the underdeveloped economy. The wide variety of activities encompassed through Government's supply-side measures have a common goal, which is that of creating sustainable employment, high levels of growth and equity.
I thank you
Issued by: Ministry of Science and Technology
9 September 2004
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