H.E. Pitso Lesaoana; Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports, Arts, Culture and Social Development of The Kingdom of Lesotho,
Hon. Tasneem Motara, MEC for the Gauteng Department of Economic Development,
Adv. Kgotso Maja, Chairperson of the GGDA Board of Directors,
Ms. Lebogang Zulu, National Chairperson of the South African BRICS Women’s Business Alliance,
Ms. Asanda Luwaca, Chairperson of BRICS Youth Council of South Africa,
Ms. Margret Molefe, NYDA Deputy Executive Chairperson,
Ms. Noluthando Mashologu, The Innovation Hub Deputy Chairperson,
Mr. Bangani Mpangalasane, CEO of The Innovation Hub,
Mr. Tom Mkhwanazi, CEO, W&RSETA
Our Youth from all the BRICS Countries,
Our stakeholders in the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem,
Members of the media, good afternoon.
We have come to the end of a meaningful and enriching two-day programme. I would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation and most heartfelt gratitude to all the people who burned the candle on both ends to make this BRICS+ Youth innovation Summit possible. The forum managed to bring together over 150 youths from BRICS countries to conduct a series of workshops and present their innovations on the identified priorities sectors which includes:
It is a privilege once again to host this event in collaboration with SABYA, NYDA, Z Park, WORSETA as we create an international platform for young entrepreneurs for the BRICS and global south countries. This platform allows them to showcase their innovations to ensure that we push the agenda of youth empowerment forward and afford the youth an opportunity to innovate and participate in the global economy.
We extend our gratitude to our partners for their valuable contribution to making this event successful. We believe that the innovations that were presented throughout the Summit will contribute to shaping the future of BRICS countries and assist in improving service delivery challenges faced by each country.
These initiatives serves as a concrete platform to shape peer-to-peer networks and provide platforms for mentorship to ensure that all the innovations presented are refined and offer a possibility for global market entry and growth. Our aim is not just to engage in dialogue but to witness tangible outcomes and innovative capabilities that enable our innovators to compete effectively on the global stage. We are proud of the leadership and the continued support that we always receive from our Shareholders, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development under the leadership of MEC Tasneem Motara, and the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency. Their commitment to contributing to job creation and poverty alleviation that transforms the Gauteng economy with the aim of improving its global competitiveness remains steadfast.
On behalf of The Innovation Hub Board of Directors, we would like to extend a heartfelt gratitude to H.E. Pitso Lesaoana; Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports, Arts, Culture and Social Development of The Kingdom of Lesotho, all the chairpersons of Business Chambers, and their contribution in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
I would also like to thank the following team who have worked tirelessly to make sure that this event becomes a success:
The Supply Chain Management Division under the leadership of Ms. Beverly Nkwana.
I also wish to congratulate all the winners of the competition. I believe that your innovations and the opportunity created have provided a platform for you to go and participate in SPIED 2024 which will take place from 5 – 8 June 2024 in St Petersburg, Russia. If you did not win, please do not despair. As an organisation that always advocates for the transformation of innovators, we believe that you will take the feedback as provided by adjudicators and refine your innovations to ensure that you are able to build futures and transform societies. Once again thank you to all of you for the hard work and congratulations on hosting a successful BRICS+ Youth Innovation Summit. I wish you all safe travels as you return home, lets meet here again next year.
“Advancing Innovation to grow Gauteng for Tomorrow”
I Thank You!
