Bringing innovation to historically disadvantaged communities
The Ekurhuleni Metro is geared up to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship in its townships, as R90-million has been set aside in the 2016/17 financial year to set up six new Fabrication Labs.
Speaking at the four-day SA Innovation summit, at the Birchwood Hotel, on September 21, MMC for Finance and Economic Development Clr Doctor Xhakaza outlined the metro’s plans to grow innovation through introducing it to young people from historically disadvantaged communities.
“We have witnessed immense prototypes created in our townships, designed at three of our already existing fablabs in Tembisa, Thokoza and Tsakane,” he told delegates, exhibitors and inventors at the summit.
“We are rolling out fabrication labs, as we have noted the interest they have generated among youngsters already.
”The main objective is to accelerate growth for our township entrepreneurs through innovation, and to promote smart city facilities for every professional institution to take innovation seriously.”
As the metro continues to work towards its goal of building Fablabs across Ekurhuleni, a collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Fab Foundation is underway to ensure success in the establishment of the facilities.
The partnership will aid the city, as the initiative is aimed at accelerating skills development by bridging the gap of inaccessibility to facilities.
Entrepreneurial mentorships and workshops are offered at the Fablabs, to guide inventors through the process of commercialising an innovation, thereby allowing more young people to create practical and marketable solutions.
