The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM), in association with Siyenza, announced its partnership with the inaugural Manufacturing Indaba on Wednesday, May 14.
The event, which took place at Emperors Palace on May 19 and May 20, brought together public and private sector players from the manufacturing sector.
The aim of the event was to debate, network and promote the growth of South Africa’s manufacturing industries.
“The EMM’s participation in the inaugural Manufacturing Indaba is critical to our prospects of developing the region and our plans to revive the manufacturing sector,” said the EMM’s executive mayor, Clr Mondli Gungubele.
Ms Liz Hart, the managing director of the organising company Siyenza said, “We are delighted the EMM has come on board as an endorsed partner of the Manufacturing Indaba.”
“We are pleased with the launch of the Manufacturing Indaba because we see the growth potential for job creation and skills development in this sector. Our economy desperately needs a strong and innovative manufacturing base and we must continue to work together to promote prosperity through manufacturing, science and innovation,” said Ms Hart.
Since 1994, the EMM has facilitated and approved both public and private investments with a market value of approximately R75-billion.
“Our Aerotropolis programme integrates a range of flagship interventions, such as the revitalisation of the manufacturing sector, the regeneration of Central Business Districts and townships, and their respective local economies,” said Clr Gungubele.
Clr Gungubele is confident the EMM can realise an average growth rate of between six and eight percent year-on-year over the medium term, which will help target youth skills development, job opportunities and various other measures to improve the transition of the youth from school to work.
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