Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield visits INTSIMBI/Production Technologies Association of South Africa (PtSA) Centre of Excellence in Gqeberha, 29 Nov

The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Andrew Whitfield, will visit the INTSIMBI/Production Technologies Association of South Africa (PtSA) Centre of Excellence in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape on 29 November 2024. The purpose of the visit is to discuss plans for the official opening of the PtSA Eastern Cape Centre of Excellence, evaluate the current state of South Africa’s and the global tooling industry, and outline proposed industry reports in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic).

This visit forms part of the Future Production Technologies Initiative (FPTI), a multi-stakeholder partnership between the dtic and the Production Technologies Association of South Africa (PtSA). The FPTI is committed to revitalising South Africa’s Tool, Die, and Mould making (TDM) sector, a critical component of the country’s manufacturing landscape.

Whitfield’s visit to Gqeberha follows a similar engagement at the Intsimbi Centre in KwaZulu-Natal earlier this month. The engagements underscore the dtic‘s commitment to fostering partnerships that enhance South Africa’s industrial capabilities, boost manufacturing competitiveness, and drive economic growth.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Whitfield highlights the importance of the partnership, emphasising its role in driving innovation, fostering industrial growth, and strengthening South Africa’s competitiveness in the global manufacturing landscape.

“The Intsimbi/PtSA Centre of Excellence serves as a vital catalyst for transforming South Africa’s tooling industry. This Centre, like its counterparts in other provinces, will play a significant role in equipping our industry with the skills, innovation, and infrastructure needed to compete globally. The discussions in Gqeberha will shape the centre’s strategic direction and ensure its alignment with national priorities,” he says.

Whitfield further emphasises the dtic’s integral role in supporting the FPTI, noting its dedication to partnerships and strengthening the tooling industry for long-term growth.

“the dtic is committed to fostering collaboration between government, industry, and stakeholders to rehabilitate and grow the tooling sector. This partnership exemplifies how we can collectively tackle challenges in the sector while creating opportunities for economic growth and job creation. Our visit to the Gqeberha Centre is another step in demonstrating how public-private collaboration can deliver impactful results,” says Whitfield.

The PtSA Eastern Cape Centre of Excellence is part of a nationwide initiative to address the challenges facing the TDM sector and unlock its potential to drive innovation and competitiveness in South Africa’s manufacturing industries.

For media enquiries and interview requests:
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za