Innovation centre opens in Centurion

State information technology agency (Sita) recently launched a centre to boost innovation within the small, medium-sized micro-enterprises in Centurion.

The opening of Motheo innovation centre is expected to benefit small businesses in the information and communication technology industry to collaborate and create new products that will provide solutions to challenges experienced by residents.

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, working with Sita also established the Digitech SMME platform which provides an inclusive market place where small, medium-sized micro-enterprises (SMMEs) can showcase their products and services.

This digital ecosystem connects these businesses with potential customers, locally and globally, enabling them to grow their revenue.

Minister of Communications and Digital Communications Mondli Gungubele said the centre will create sustainable and viable SMMEs that create products and solutions that improve the lives of communities.

“Initiatives like these are not only about leveraging innovation and skills; they also contribute to our dream of a better South Africa. It is a dream that relies on opportunity, access to resources, avenues that promote creativity, and experiences that build our resilience and steadfastness to succeed,” he said.

Gungubele said that SMMEs give countries an edge and play a crucial role in job creation, with over 70% of new employment expected from this sector and drive innovation while contributing to economic growth.

“However, these businesses often face numerous challenges, such as limited access to resources, market barriers and bureaucratic hurdles. As the department, we are dedicated to ensuring that we create a policy environment in our country where innovation is not stifled but promoted and rewarded.”

Sita MD Bongani Mabaso said this innovation centre aims to stimulate, encourage and empower SMMEs and women as wells as youth entrepreneurs to foster the development and commercialisation of groundbreaking inventions, technology-based products, services and solutions.

“We are excited to open our third innovation centre – these centres are critical to us transforming this country as they are part of this fabric that we are creating that will to ensure that youth, SMMEs and women-owned businesses can come together and co-create with us.”

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