The eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu Natal announced yesterday (Wednesday) that it plans to boost the local electronic manufacturing sector.
Municipal spokesperson Nonduduzo Ngcongo noted that this was in an effort to promote the manufacturing of local products and reduce the high reliance on imports which continues to be a major hindrance to economic growth.
It also aims to increase local manufacturing in the sector in order to unlock job creation.
“The sector used to be a key engine in terms creating sustainable jobs but this has been hindered by the influx of imports,” said the municipality’s Economic Development and Investment Promotion Unit Electronics project manager, Thulani Magwenyane.
He said a team of analysts had been appointed to do an electronics analysis for the region in order to identify how the Municipality can intervene and provide support to the sector.
The team had visited and interviewed various electronics firms as well as stakeholders to understand the daily challenges they encounter and have submitted their recommendations to the municipality.
“We are now packaging all the recommendations which will guide us on a way forward and how to respond to the sector’s needs,” said Magwenyane. “Thereafter, we will host another workshop where we will present the final document to businesses.”
