Mabandla visits Technology Station Programme Sites

24 April 2002

Members of the media are invited to join the Deputy Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, Brigitte Mabandla, on her visit to Technology Stations Programme sites at the Free State Technikon on Tuesday, 23 April 2002.

Technology Stations Programme - Brief Outline

Programme Goal

The potential contribution of small, medium and micro enterprises to sustainable growth and employment creation is considerable. This potential however is limited by a number of factors, differing widely between the SMME segments and sectors. Among others, the White Paper on Science and Technology identified one very clear reason for the limitation: SMMEs are not able to make adequate use of the existing science and technology infrastructure for product or process innovation.

Consequently, the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, DACST, intends to strengthen technological innovation activities and related skills upgrading to increase the relative competitiveness of SMMEs in targeted sectors on the national, regional and global markets.

In both the innovation support and skills development areas, technikons offer a considerable potential in furthering DACST policy aims, particularly for SMME support. Technikons play a critical role in providing skilled manpower through the adoption of cooperative education strategies combining learning in the classroom with learning on the job. At the same time, technikon departments are engaging to a greater degree in direct support services to the SMME sector, such as consultancy, testing and quality control, design and product development and customised short-term training. Existing equipment is offered for technology demonstration, pilot production and contract production jobs.

The policy and practical challenge for DACST and the implementing institutions is to strengthen and accelerate this interaction between technikons and SMMEs by an appropriate intermediary structure which can turn it into a mutually beneficial undertaking.

Programme:
10:30 - 11:00: Tea and refreshments, while waiting for the Deputy Minister to arrive
11:00: Word of Welcome to Ms Mabandla by Prof AS Koorts
11:05: Visit to the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing: All
11:30: Word from Ms Mabandla
11:50: PowerPoint presentation by Dr de Beer (Interaction of Science park, Technology Station and Community Services, Incorporating a presentation by Mr Thinus Boshoff of involvement at the Basotho-Cultural Village)
12:10: PowerPoint presentation on projects done with SMMEs by Mr Varachia
12:30: Panel/Group discussion: SMMEs, personnel and students involved, relevant members of technikon management.
13:00: Finger lunch in the Reception Hall, Main Building.


Date: 23 April 2002
Time: 11:00
Venue: Free State Technikon, Japie van Lill Auditorium.


PROJECT 1 - Quick Circuits

Background:

Quick Circuits is a small manufacturing company based in Midrand. They are involved in generating electronic format files (CAD/CAM) for the Printed Circuit Board industry. During October of 1999 Electronic Interconnect were selling out their business and one of their employees saw an opportunity and approached the Technology Station for assistance.

Achievements:

* Improving the Technology base of Small Companies.

PROJECT 2 - The Ultimate Sachet Jug

Background:

Mother of two, Desere Strydom, realised that milk cartons were becoming too expensive. "Sachets were the most cost-effective, but pouring from them isn’t easy" says Deseree. She came with an idea to pour the milk without spilling. After sending her idea to several places, she approached the Technology Station for assistance. Desere’s bright idea was captured and a prototype manufactured by the Manufacturing Centre. This prototype was submitted and she is among the winners of the SABS Design Institute Prototype Award 2001. Desere also the Fair Lady/Liberty Business Start-Up Awards.

PROJECT 3 - Sumba Engineering

Background:

Francisco Sumbane is manufacturer of 3-legged Aluminium pots. He started of his business by collecting aluminium scrap and his backyard started adding value to it by melting and casting. Today Francisco rents a premises and employs 5 persons.

PROJECT 4 - Fabco Converters

* Student - Industry co-operation

PROJECT 5 -APD Wheel Chair Repair Centres

Enquiries: Andile Xaba at 082 370 5336