Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Mzwandile Masina has called on government and academia to actively engage in the process finding sustainable development models for reindustrialisation and economic growth.
Speaking at the inaugural Economic Research Advisory Network conference at the East London International Convention Centre, this week, he said the “current period of expedition to reindustrialise and make substantial value-addition to South Africa’s raw materials” required dynamic, innovative and creative African researchers who understood that the quest for economic transformation was premised on socioeconomic justice.
“The new generation of African researchers must understand that inclusive growth and development is critical in our march towards achieving the objectives of the national democratic revolution. Increased participation of researchers and academia is important in the crafting and development of various iterations of the industrial development policy in the country. Without these, our people will forever toil in poverty and underdevelopment,” he said.
Eastern Cape Economic Development and Environmental Affairs MEC Sakhumzi Somyo, meanwhile, described research as a critical enabler within the South African economy. He added that the country needed the best minds, working in the right direction, to produce the best economic intelligence possible.