Donating to SPU |   053 491 0000 |   [email protected] |   Vacancies View current jobs |   Employee Portal

Launch of the Northern Cape Innovation Forum

Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is pleased to inform you that the Northern Cape Innovation Forum (NCIF), will be launched officially, on Friday, 26 February 2021. 

In recognition of the importance of innovation to increase social and economic development in the Northern Cape Province. The NCIF will be established as a platform for academia, government, business, and civil society to develop the Northern Cape’s system for innovation. Conceptualised in 2019, under the Department of Science and Innovation, Regional Innovation Support programme, SPU was awarded a grant from the CSIR’s Technology Localisation Implementation Unit to seed the NCIF.

With a matching grant from the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the NCIF led by SPU, has gathered momentum from key local stakeholders that include the Office of the Premier, Sol Plaatje Municipality, Black Management Forum, Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Northern Cape Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Petra Diamonds, and the Renewable Energy Entrepreneurs Forum.

The NCIF is tasked to spark creative thinking and stimulate innovation, as a catalyst to advance the Northern Cape’s development in a modern and changing technological world. Visit the website at www.ncif.co.za for more information.

Dr Zamani Saul, Premier of the Northern Cape Province and Professor Andrew Crouch, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Sol Plaatje University will preside over the virtual launch. The keynote address will be given by Mr Buti Manamela, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.

You are cordially invited to join the launch via the MS Teams platform.

Event Details:

Date:  Friday, 26 February 2021

Time:  15:00 to 17:00

Platform: MS Teams (Link: Join live event )

Programme:

TimeItemNameInstitution/Organisation
15h00 – 15h05WelcomeExecutive Mayor

Mr Patrick Mabilo

Sol Plaatje Municipality
15h05 – 15h10Opening Remarks and Introduction of the honourable guestsProf Andrew Crouch

Vice-Chancellor & Principal

Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
15h10 – 15h30Keynote Address

 

Mr Buti Manamela

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science & Innovation

Department of Science and Innovation
15h30 – 15h40Northern Cape Province Outlook on InnovationDr Zamani Saul

Premier

Northern Cape Provincial Government

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15h40 – 16h20

Showcase of Local Innovations
Abantu WIFIMr Edward Matiwane

Business Intelligence Analyst

Diamond Vision Creation Hub NPO
South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) / SKA AfricaMs Apiwe Holele

Technology Commercialization Specialist

SARAO/SKA Africa
Digi-TicketMr Tshepang Peme

Director

DigiTicket SA (Pty) Ltd
Snap Smart watchMr Melvin Kisten

Graduate

SPU
 

 

 

 

16h20 – 16:40

Messages of Support
North West Regional Innovation Support PlatformMr Joseph Ndaba

Platform Facilitator

NW RISP
Department of Economic Development and Tourism

 

Mr Mabija

Acting Head of Department

DEDaT
   H NCIF    MLab GalesheweMr Henleo Louw

Coordinator

MLab
16h40 – 16h55NCIF Network and Work PlanMs Tshegohatso Chifokoyo CoordinatorNCIF
16h55 – 17h00Vote of thanksMr Abraham Vosloo

MEC

DEDaT

 For further details on the programme and for interviews please contact Ms Tshegohatso Chifokoyo:

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Tel: 053 491 0093

Cell: 061 626 1878 

 

More to explore

SPU ladies make their Sasol Women’s League derby debut today

The Sol Plaatje University (SPU) women’s football team is gearing up for a historic moment today as they make their debut in the prestigious Sasol Women’s League. Crowned Frances Baard Regional Champions for the 2024 season, their victory earned them