Page 13 - Annual Report A4
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PROF. KHUMBULANI MPOFU WORDS BY GIBELA
GIBELA RESEARCH CHAIR IN
MANUFACTURING AND SKILLS RESEARCH CHAIR
DEVELOPMENT
ne positive outcome of the cur- This is my fourth year as the Gibela
rent fiscal restraint is how our two Research Chair and I have been privileged
Olevels of government have come to work alongside some of South Africas
together on a number of fronts to maintain most committed and influential innova-
momentum for transforming our econo- tion leaders during this period. I have also
my. There is a new willingness to recog- witnessed the unrelenting energy and
nise that we can no longer do business in dedication of the research team in striving to
South Africa in the same way if we are to build and effectively manage programmes
remain globally competitive. The empha- patents, prototypes and partnerships the
sis that our provincial government has innovation gap, support new companies and pro-
accorded experiential learning as well as mote a culture of entrepreneurship. I am grat-
social innovation is well placed. This is how ified to see that our conviction about becoming
so many of our bright students will discov- aggressive in supporting innovation has proved
er their calling, whether in the private sec- prescient. Our investment in RnD with commer-
tor or the third sector, where there is also cialisation, Then was important and worthwhile
a great need for leadership and ingenuity. and becomes even more so going forward.
They might very well find fulfilment in helping
needy society through innovative solutions.
RESEARCH CHAIR IN MANUFACTURING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 3