Pretoria - Deputy Trade and Industry (dti) Minister Elizabeth Thabethe will host a techno-girl entrepreneurship workshop aimed at inspiring young girls to take advantage of opportunities that exist in science and technology.
Learners from 10 Northern Cape schools are expected to participate in the three-day workshop, to be held at the Protea Hotel, Big Hole in Kimberly, when the proceedings kick-off on Friday.
The workshop forms part of the dti’s Technology for Women in Business (TWIB), which seeks to encourage young girls to take advantage of study opportunities that exist in science and technology for the advancement of the country’s economy.
“The Techno-girl Entrepreneurship programme is aimed at removing the stereotypes and biases that often prevent girl learners from taking science based subjects at school and pursuing careers in science and technology, with a focus on entrepreneurship.
“The dti believes that entrepreneurship is the best and critical intervention needed to nurture and grow the talents of many girls in becoming the successful businesswomen of tomorrow,” said Thabethe.
The schools have been tasked with the responsibility of supporting the girls in developing a viable business plan, which they will present on Saturday in front of a panel of judges.
The business ideas presented should respond to pertinent issues of technology and innovation, among others, while they will also have to highlight issues of social responsibility.
Overall winners will be presented with various prizes ranging from attending the Global Summit of Women, which is held annually in various countries and the opportunity to attend the dti's Budget Vote in Cape Town, as well as desktop computers for the winning schools.
The workshop concludes on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies will launch the Eat Well, Eat Safe campaign at Johannesburg’s Maponya Mall on Tuesday.
The campaign is in collaboration with Proudly South African (PSA) and stakeholders under the umbrella of the South African Fruits and Vegetables Canning Association (SAFVCA).
Davies says the launch will educate the general public about nutrition, while it will also function as a platform to market and promote the consumption of local produce to preserve and protect jobs in the agro-processing spectrum.
Food processing companies Boland and Pulp, CAASA and African Micro Mills, among others, will exhibit their product range at the launch. - SAnews.gov.za
