Patrick Krappie, Executive Manager for Strategic Engagement and Corporate Relations at the Technology Innovation Agency. File picture
from CHIEDZA CHOKERA in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga
NELSPRUIT – SOUTH Africa has set aside R600million to support young researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs contributing to economic development, a senior government official has disclosed.
Patrick Krappie, Executive Manager for Strategic Engagement and Corporate Relations at the Technology Innovation Agency, announced the allocation, disclosing the agency was partnering with some 25 universities nationwide to ensure the problem solvers were supported.
He said the young innovators and entrepreneurs would create jobs and spearhead economic development with the necessary support.
“When we create hope by availing funding, the youths will always come up with solutions,” Krappie said.
He was speaking at a multi-stakeholder summit in Nelspruit in the Mpumalanga Province.
Various investors from the private sector drawn from around South Africa, neighbouring countries eSwatini and Mozambique as well as Belarus participated.
Mpho Dagada, Chief Executive Officer of Invest in Future Currency, bemoaned the country and the continent at large had not come up with standards, much to the detriment of local economies.
“Change truly happens where there is a standard. When standards drop, there are always repercussions economically,” said Dagada.
He added, “These standards should be set in both public and private sectors. This is why countries with best results have their learners coming from best institutions.”
He cited an example of technology, Google, which he said Africa had embraced despite it not having an African in its board.
“For a positive change to come, we need to set the standards. We need to uphold such standards at all times in order to achieve desired results,” Dagada said.
He meanwhile urged municipalities and local governments to embrace technology, especially the blockchains, to enhance transparency and service delivery.
“For example, if there is a provision for voting online, the electorate has to see how they voted and the outcome should be known. Blockchain brings transparent in the way we do things, so, let us embrace technology,” Dagada said.
– CAJ News
