Manufacturing Indaba expands with provincial roadshows & Executive Leader Dialogue

08 September 2014 - The manufacturing industry continues to face tremendous challenges. A shrinking manufacturing base, supply chain challenges, human capital challenges and the threat of other emerging economies with their cheap labour continue to impact the growth and prosperity of the South African manufacturing sector. In addition, the second quarter of the 2014 Manufacturing Circle Survey paints a picture of downbeat business conditions in the manufacturing sector owing to factors such as industrial action in the platinum industry, weak consumer demand and  elevated input                costs. The success of our nation depends on a strong and innovative manufacturing base. We must continue to work together to promote prosperity through manufacturing, science and innovation.

With this background in mind, the Manufacturing Indaba 2014 was launched with its host partner the City of Ekurhuleni and took place in May 2014 with over 240 public and private sector delegates attending. In addition to the City of Ekurhuleni, key role players in support of the event included the Manufacturing Circle, Deloitte, Productivity SA, SEIFSA, NCPC-SA and Proudly South African. The next edition is planned for the 13th and 14th of October 2015 at Emperors Palace. The theme of the 2015 event is:

“Chasing the drivers of manufacturing growth and investment of tomorrow”

The Manufacturing Indaba will host a series of aligned engagements across South Africa annually building up to the October 2015 event,  which include:

·           The MI Executive Leader Dialogue (MIELD)
13th November 2014 at Emperors PalaceThe Manufacturing Indaba Executive Leader Dialogue (MIELD) is 'by invitation only' to

select CEOs and senior government officials. The event will take place for one full day in the form of a roundtable discussion and will cater for 80 executives. The purpose of the MIEL Dialogue is to unpack key issues facing business and to share these with government to encourage dialogue between government and business, whilst simultaneously aiding the manufacturing sector.

·           Provincial Roadshows
Each roadshow will be hosted in a province with the support of various stakeholders and partners. The roadshows will take place over one day in each province of the country.

The purpose of the roadshow workshops will be to:

a)      Provide the Provincial participants with leading insights into the state of manufacturing in the country and province.

b)      Introduce and explain the latest incentives available to manufacturers by government.

c)       Embark on a specific site visit to a factory

d)      Engage with the local media

e)      Engage with the local stakeholders, i.e. Provincial investment agencies, cities and metropoles and understand the service offering available from them to manufacturers. 

Liz Hart, Managing Director of the organising company, Siyenza stated "The Manufacturing Indaba is very needed in the South African economy to promote dialogue between all manufacturing stakekholders to help grow this key sector, crucial for the development of business and the creation of jobs.  Our aim in expanding to the Provinces is to provide regionally based companies with an opportunity to participate as well as to learn about the latest incentives and new technologies on offer."

The Manufacturing Indaba and its related events are open to all manufacturing industries including automotive, construction, metals, forestry, paper and packaging, chemicals, aerospace and defence, industry products and services.