This week, the Leader of Government Business Nomusa Dube-Ncube will address delegates from different parts of the country and the globe. High level events aimed at driving socio-economic development have been planned and will take place back-to-back. 

KwaZulu-Natal Export Week takes place from the 14th – 16th October at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. 

She remarked recently, in her capacity as the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs: “We want to get emerging entrepreneurs from different parts of the province to export their products to many countries around the world. We have arranged an exhibition show to ensure that they exhibit their products. It should be noted that our manufacturing sector is geared towards export. In addition, the third of South Africa's manufactured exports is produced in KwaZulu-Natal. The manufacturing sector is the second largest in the country and generates 20% of the provincial employment and contributes 25% to the province’s GDP.”

There is a great deal of interest on the Drone Conference which will also take place from the 15th to the 16th October at the ICC. 

Speaking during the launch of the Aerotropolis Master Plan, the MEC asked the audience to imagine: “An electric autonomous vehicle, new 3D Printing methods and drone technologies and application of smart solutions in our City within King Shaka International Airport. Drones have continued to drive the digital revolution.”

As a champion of the 4th Industrial Revolution, the MEC committed government towards bridging the digital divide. 

She quipped: “We want to make a technology literacy a priority. We undertake to promote it alongside reading and writing as a basic skill. We do this because we acknowledge the fact that some jobs will become obsolete with the advent of 4IR. With investment in digital infrastructure and training, we have no doubt that we will minimise risks and maximise benefits We want young stars to be have licences to operate drones.”

It is that time of the year when this province gets the opportunity to showcase locally designed fashion during the annual Africa Fashion Exchange. The event will take place from the 17th and 18th October at the Greyville Convention Centre. 

She concluded: “Over the past ten years, we have used this platform to put our talent on a pedestal. Importantly, the Africa Fashion Exchange is not only about looking good. We want to unleash the best talent and ensure the sustainability of the Creative, Clothing and Textile industries.”

Ends 

Media to RSVP with Angel (Mkhethie) Sibisi-Shabangu on 0764686139 or Thando Biyela on 066 489 7373 

ISSUED BY THE KZN DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS 

Ndabezinhle Sibiya – 082 375 4742 

Nathi Olifant - 060 970 5113