As part of the mandate to support the South African innovators from idea, development of prototypes, protection of intellectual property and commercialisation of innovation, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in partnership with Vhembe District Municipality, the University of Venda, and Vhembe Technical and Vocational Education and Training, will host an innovation workshop at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou, Limpopo on Thursday, 20 November 2025, from 09:00.
The workshop aims to unearth technologies from underdeveloped rural and township communities, create networking platforms for technology development and commercialisation and focused technology development and innovative thinking.
According to the Acting Chief Director of Operations in the Investment and Spatial Industrial Development branch of the dtic, Ms Takalani Ramuthaga, innovation has a direct link to economic growth and development, and there is a direct correlation between innovative countries and industrialised countries.
Ramuthaga says the workshop will enable entrepreneurs in the Vhembe district and surrounding areas to access information on innovation support instruments as well as other incentives of the dtic. She emphasises engaging with innovators and entrepreneurs located in rural and township areas has a potential to stimulate local economic activity and growth within the communities.
“The innovators will receive information on the Khoebo Innovation Promotion Programme (KIPP) which was established with the objective of stimulating township and rural economies by supporting Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises and start-ups. However, the programme does not exist in isolation as it is supported by programmes such as the Support programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII) which serves as a feeder for the KIPP. Furthermore, with agriculture being one of Limpopo‘s main economic activities, information on incentives in agro-processing and manufacturing support will also be shared with participants,” says Ramuthaga.
She adds that apart from information dissemination, the workshop is aimed at identifying gaps that the innovation support programmes should effectively bridge between the markets and local communities including innovation in townships and rural areas that policies and strategies may not have addressed adequately.
Ramuthaga underscored the valuable knowledge that exists in townships and rural areas where there is mainly no infrastructure and services. She says people innovate for survival and develop valuable knowledge. To add value to such knowledge, she adds that government intervention is needed in the form of funding, exposure and forming linkages with the existing instruments. To this end, the workshop is aimed at identifying and unearthing innovative solutions.
“These engagements will also create awareness of valuable knowledge and skills that exist in the township and identify innovation that can be supported through other existing innovation instruments of the dtic, as well as other role players,” adds Ramuthaga.
The planned presentations will cover programmes from the dtic, Department Small Business Development, Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency, Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, UNIVEN, Vhembe Municipality and other supporting entities on their products and services.
Members of the media who wish to cover the event, are invited to submit their details to Tshilidzi Mugovhoro via email at TMugovhoro@thedtic.gov.za or WhatsApp on 0828796792.
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
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