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The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies says Innovation
drives economic development, and Science and Technology are contributors
to innovation. Minister Davies was addressing delegates at the dti's
annual technology awards ceremony that were held in Kimberley.

The purpose of the awards was to raise awareness on the benefits of
using technology to improve the competitiveness of enterprises and also
to recognise individuals and organisations that contributed towards
technology promotion and innovation in South Africa.

"Developed and industrialised countries have pinned their hopes on
innovation to drive the economy. It is significant for us as a country
to produce more innovators and effective entrepreneurs who can generate
income and build sustainable businesses for the future,"said Davies.

He also said the Private Sector especially big businesses should
partner with Government on technological innovations and enhance on the
work that is already there.

"The Department will again provide bursaries in 2013 to deserving
learners from disadvantage communities in the Northern Cape to pursue
University Degrees in Science, Engineering and Technology," said
Davies.

Minister Davies congratulated all winners and finalists and said all of
them are winners because they have already contributed to the technology
and innovation for South Africa.

Northern Cape MEC for Economic Affairs and Tourism Mr John Block said
innovation provides opportunities within the market for job creation.

"Maths and Science is now seen in a different light and everyone wants
to be associated with it. The Northern Cape has proved to be amongst the
best when coming to innovation and technology," said Block.

the dti’s Technology Awards are a combination of the three Technology
Programmes, namely, the Support Programme for Industrial Innovation
(SPII) administered by the Industrial Development Cooperation (IDC),
Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP)
administered by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Small
Enterprise Development Agency (Seda).