Innovative Western Cape residents in the spotlight

Tomorrow, Alan Winde, will kick off a month-long programme focusing on innovation in the province’s public and private sector.

There will be a special focus on how residents are using innovation to respond to challenges and grow opportunities in their own communities.

Minister Winde’s programme starts at the ICAN Centre in Elsies River, where residents are registering for a range of tech and business skills courses. The centre has recorded 18 000 visits since its launch.

Minister Winde’s programme includes:

• ICAN Centre, Elsies River 

An initiative of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the ICAN centre is a digital skills training centre. Launched in 2015, Minister Winde will receive an update on the progress of the centre and the innovations being developed there.

Date: Tuesday, 4 July

Time: 1pm

Venue: ICAN Centre, Halt Road, Elsies River

• Barn Khayelitsha 

The Barn Khayelitsha provides a space for young innovators from Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain to work on their concepts. The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is supporting 40 entrepreneurs to develop their ideas, many of whom are seeking to respond to challenges in their own communities.

Date: Thursday, 6 July

Time: 11:30am

Venue: corners of Spine and Mew roads, Khayelitsha

• Elsenburg drone demonstration  

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture is playing a leading role in innovation in the sector. Minister Winde will attend a demonstration of the drone technology currently being piloted on the farm.

Date: Thursday, 19 July

Time: 9am

Venue: Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Muldersvlei Road, Elsenburg

• Absa Aliens 

Absa Aliens, Absa’s development centre, is a training ground for talented young software developers.

Date: Monday, 24 July 2017

Time: 11:30am

Venue: Absa, Block B, Ground Floor, Longkloof Studios, Darters Road, Gardens