Dubbed the long-term socio-economic development roadmap, the NDP is a policy blueprint aimed at eliminating poverty and reducing inequality in South Africa by 2030. Among other things, the plan identifies the key constraints to faster growth and presents a roadmap to a more inclusive economy that will address the country’s socio-economic imbalances.

Eighteen Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) that would support economic development and address service delivery have been identified in the NDP. The SIPs, which are expected to provide a much-needed stimulus to South Africa’s stagnating economy, will provide new infrastructure and rehabilitate and upgrade existing infrastructure.

Unpacking the NDP and sharing their insights will be the following speakers:

  • University of Potchefstroom Business School’s Professor Raymond Parsons;
  • NDP Commissioner and President of International Women’s Forum South Africa Dr Vuyokazi Mahlathi;
  • Pan African Capital Holdings Chief Executive Officer Dr Iraj Abedian;
  • University of Cape Town academic Professor Haroon Bhorat;
  • Department of Trade and Industry Deputy Director-General Dr Garth Strachan;
  • And National Planning Commission member Mr Trueman Goba.

The high-calibre panel, made up of senior Government officials, business executives and academics, will analyze the NDP and discuss economic opportunities presented by the Plan and its possible impact on the South African economy in general and the manufacturing sector in particular.

To be attended by policy and decision makers, business owners, senior executives and other stakeholders in the metals and engineering sector in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Metals and Engineering Indaba will focus on the following topics, among others:

  • Does Manufacturing Have a Future in Southern Africa?
  • Striking a Healthy Balance Between International Competition and Dumping
  • Transformation in the Metals and Engineering Sector
  • International Competitiveness and Intra-African Trade
  • South Africa and the National Development Plan
  • Southern Africa and the Huge Infrastructure Backlog – How To Finance It?

Organised and hosted by the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA), the Indaba is aimed at encouraging growth in the sector, which has under-performed over the past five years.

SEIFSA Chief Executive Officer Kaizer Nyatsumba said the Indaba will afford both speakers and delegates an opportunity not only to participate and engage robustly with one another in a conference which will change the face of the sector in the region, but also to network and exchange ideas with industry peers and policy makers.

The conference, which will take place at Emperor’s Palace in Ekurhuleni, will bring together business owners, trade unionists and policymakers from across the SADC to deliberate on turn-around strategies.