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Dimbaza set to be Eastern Cape innovation hub

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A partnership between the Non Automotive Manufacturing Cluster (NAM) and local and national government organisations is transforming the Dimbaza Industrial Park into the first Eastern Cape Innovation Zone.

Government partners include the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the Regional Innovation and Support (RISP) Programme of the Department of Science and Innovation, according to NAM chairperson Tamsanqa Gxowa.

Speaking at the official launch of “Innovate Dimbaza,” he said the revival of the industrial sector in the Eastern Cape would be led by the non-automotive manufacturing sector.

“From a government perspective, it makes sense to focus on the non automotive sector, because that is where the majority of the players are,” he said.

He pointed out that Dimbaza, in its “heyday,” contributed more to the regional gross domestic product than Uitenhage (now Kariega), the home of Volkswagen South Africa.

“There were more than 200 companies in Dimbaza. At NAM we believe that we can revive the industrial park by putting our talents and resources together to create jobs and alleviate poverty in the area”.

Innovate Dimbaza is an initiative to help Eastern Cape companies to become globally competitive through digitisation and rapid prototyping.

“Innovation is not only linked to coming up with new products, but looking in a narrative way to see what technologies we can improve,” he added.

A rapid prototyping facility consisting of state of the latest CNC machines, laser cutters, welders and 3D printers is already in place.

It will be supported by a digital hub.

A number of NAM members are either in Dimbaza already, or have committed to investing in the industrial park.

“We invite entrepreneurs from the Eastern Cape to come to Dimbaza for design and prototyping,” said Gxowa.

RISP representative Nare Mashamaite said the focus of the programme was on supporting innovation in underserved areas in townships and rural areas.

“Innovation is more important now than ever. We are all witness to the intensity of technological changes happening in the world. Radical innovations are disrupting industries.

“We cannot allow South Africa or Dimbaza to be left behind.

“That is why we have joined hands with the NAM cluster to form Innovation Dimbaza”.

Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, deputy minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, said it was vital for municipalities to create the environment in which businesses could grow.

“Therefore, innovations of this nature are very critical and very important”.

Initiatives like Innovate Dimbaza represented a turnaround strategy for local economies.

“What we are doing here ensures that we have the kinds of businesses that have the ability to create other opportunities for small enterprises to grow.

“We must ensure that what we produce here is of global quality

“We must think big as the Eastern Cape.”

The revitalisation of the Bulembu airport would give investors in Dimbaza access to international markets, he added.

Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, deputy minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs with one of the prototyping machines at the Dimbaza Innovation Hub.. Photo: Ed Richardson

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Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.