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The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ben Ngubane, will launch a technology Imbizo project at the Royal Hotel in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, next week Tuesday, 21 October 2003.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) believes that science and technology can contribute to much higher gross geographic product in provinces. The main objective of the project is for the DST to enter into a focused dialogue with the province's business and industry community, as well as government and technology suppliers, to understand each province's focus and strengths in technologies, current and likely future needs, and the mechanisms to better facilitate the buy-in or transfer of technology.

We believe the Imbizos will assist those most affected by technology change to learn from role models within the provinces, leverage government support and that they will forge new partnerships to deal with skills, logistics and productivity shortcomings. This should open up and expand support opportunities as the science and technology community is put to work addressing realities on the ground.

Minister Ngubane supported by Director-General of DST, Dr Rob Adam, and senior management of DST, will interact with key stakeholders in the province that include, business, industry, and government sectors, key technology experts, CSIR personnel, and experts from other science institutions.

Details of the event:
Date: 21 October 2003
Time: 09h00
Venue: Royal Hotel, Durban

NB: The media is invited to attend.

For more information, please contact Andrew Aphane at 082 387 5615 or Florence Mthethwa at 082 6010249.

Issued by: Department of Science and Technology

17 October 2003