Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies attempted to use the launch of the latest Industrial Policy Action Plan this month to give practical expression to government’s black-industrialist programme. Instead of releasing the 170-plus-page report at a hotel or a conference centre, it was unveiled at Guestro Casting & Machining’s East Rand factory – a foundry bought in 2013 by a consortium led by Naledi Inhlanganiso Group. Speaking at the launch, executive chairperson Sibusiso Maphatiane described himself as one of the “mythical black industrialists” created with government’s support. He urged State-owned companies, however, to align their procurement practices with government’s localisation commitments.