Indaba to focus on emerging sector developments

23rd June 2017

By: Nica Schreuder

Journalist

     

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With the 2017 Manufacturing Indaba’s focus being on the development of emerging manufacturers, event organisers Siyenza Management MD Liz Hart says the event will continue to provide new and innovative content as well as showcase the latest in local and global trends in manufacturing.

She notes that, this year, the event will entail a more extensive technical workshop where companies have an opportunity to learn how to grow their manufacturing business on a practical level.

“We are also hoping that this year’s Indaba will be a platform where delegates share knowledge, explore public and private-sector collaboration, develop new markets for the sale of products and services and gain an understanding of the future trends that can impact on manufacturing.”

Over the years, Hart mentions, the Indaba has offered companies the potential to explore strategies for growth and competitive advantage; debate challenges and opportunities facing the South African manufacturing sector; explore efficient manufacturing processes to reduce costs and ensure growth; and has highlighted government incentives available to local companies.

The Indaba has also ensured that local companies are made aware of foreign investment and aid in establishing global companies in the South African manufacturing sector.

Exhibitor Interest
Hart says interest from exhibitors is good and has grown from last year, with large companies exploring and showcasing their supplier development programmes, and providing suppliers with exposure by showcasing them at the exhibition. This, in turn, allows exhibiting companies to access new markets, which allows companies to sell their products and services.

Notable exhibitors at the Indaba this year will include State-owned aerospace and defence technology utility Denel and various industry associations and government departments showcasing how they plan on supporting the growth of manufacturers.

Hart has attributed the growth of exhibitor interest at the Indaba to the fact that companies are looking for new ways to expose their products and services and require a broader audience to present their business, aspects that are both present at the Manufacturing Indaba.

“They have the opportunity of having at least 50 new customers walking past their stand daily that they can interact with. In normal business, it would be difficult to meet 50 new ‘leads’ in a day”, Hart explains.

She adds that the event is gaining stature, and now has the reputation of being a leading manufacturing event in South Africa, with substantial support from public and private sectors.

“Last year, 2 602 visitors attended the Indaba. This year, we are anticipating over 3 000 visitors.”

Indaba Schedule
The Manufacturing Indaba is scheduled to take place at Emperors Palace, in Kempton Park, on June 27 and 28.
On June 27, the conference will be opened by the City of Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina. Manufacturing Circle chairperson Andre de Ruyter will address South Africa’s manufacturing potential, accompanied by further keynote addresses from manufacturing luminaries.

The remainder of the first day will ensue in the form of panel discussions focusing on the best of South African manufacturing, value-added exports as a key driver of growth, re-industrialising South Africa: the mining and manufacturing interface, capacity development: procurement, supplier development and skills growth, and investment-led trade and industrial integration.

On Wednesday, June 28, the Indaba will continue with panel discussions on ‘world-class manufacturing and clusters’, ‘building an industrial financing and incentives ecosystem’ – a session sponsored by advisory firm Cova Advisory, ‘sustainable manufacturing, competitiveness and efficiency’ – sponsored by the National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa, and ‘implementation of industry 4.0 and the implications for South African manufacturers’.

International speaker Peter Marsh will address the Indaba on the new industrial revolution, while Kenyan development economist Anzetse Were will be discussing the ‘African manufacturing opportunity’. Closing keynote addresses from Gauteng Premier David Makhura and programme director from Pamuzinda Productions Daniel Makokera will mark the end of another successful business learning, networking and debating platform.

Edited by Zandile Mavuso
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor: Features

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