SA Govt invests R298m in people, skills and technology for industry

10 October 2001 News

Industry and government invested more than R298m jointly during 2000 for the development of people and skills through the Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP). New or improved products, services and processes are central to South Africa's economic development and increased global competitiveness, according to Minister of Trade and Industry, Alec Erwin.

In the latest THRIP Annual Report, Minister Erwin comments that THRIP's success in stimulating such research and development has made it a top priority for funding from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Dr Khotso Mokhele, President of the National Research Foundation (NRF), said: "The DTI's latest contribution ensures that THRIP will leverage an amount of more than R400 million for research in 2001. With a projected growth of at least 16% for 2002, the NRF aims to grow this investment even more."

Some 30 higher education and research institutions received funding from THRIP during 2000. More than 1200 researchers and 2500 students participated in THRIP projects, with close to 3500 research papers published, more than 106 patents registered and close to 450 products developed.

The 'top 10 takers' of THRIP during 2000 (combined industry & DTI funding): University of Stellenbosch - R61,8m; University of Pretoria - R38,5m; Potchefstroom University - R36,8m; CSIR - R35,7m; University of Cape Town - R29,9m; University of Natal - R16,4m; University of the Witwatersrand - R12,8m; Technikon Free State - R10,7m; Rhodes University - R7,9m; University of the Western Cape - R6,1m.

Further reading:

RE+ South Africa 2026: From strategy to execution
News
Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 02 to 04 June 2026, this new addition to South Africa’s energy landscape introduces a focused commercial and industrial energy event within a proven exhibition platform.

Read more...

---

Africa Energy Indaba announces 2027 dates
News
Following the continued success and growing global impact of the Africa Energy Indaba, organisers have announced the dates for the 19th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba 2027.

Read more...

---

RS South Africa named master distributor for the Arduino UNO Q
RS South Africa News
RS South Africa announced that it has been named Master Distributor for the Arduino UNO Q SBC platform across South Africa and the broader African region.

Read more...

---

Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity
Technews Publishing Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.

Read more...

---

IOT secures major industry partnership
IOT Electronics News
IOT Electronics has announced a new strategic partnership with Powell Electronics, becoming an Official Authorised Reseller in South Africa.

Read more...

---

Successful Proteus training conference
Dizzy Enterprises News
Dizzy Enterprises recently hosted two hands-on Proteus Training Conferences, bringing together electronics professionals, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest capabilities of the Proteus Design Suite from Labcenter Electronics.

Read more...

---

Hitachi reinvents asset management solution
News
Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is accelerating the digital transformation of essential infrastructure - from electricity networks and transportation corridors to heavy industrial operations - by reinventing how critical assets are managed and maintained.

Read more...

---

Mycronic releases mixed Q4 results
News
Mycronic reported mixed Q4 results for the year ended January to December 2025, while delivering record full year order intake and net sales.

Read more...

---

AGOA: Businesses should diversify or face significant exposure
News
Cross-border payments platform Verto has called on South African and African businesses to accelerate their transition toward a “post-AGOA” trade strategy following President Donald Trump’s signing of a one-year extension to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Read more...

---

European components distribution growing
News
European electronic components distribution returned to growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to newly released figures from DMASS Europe.

Read more...

---