Investing in local manufacturing has become a top priority in South Africa. According to a study by Dr. Iran Abedian of the Pan African Investment and Research Services, a clear localisation drive of manufacturing can improve the economy by 13% and create more jobs.
Localising manufacturing is what Takalani Rathiyaya is all about. As the Head of the Economic Development Programmes Department at the eThekweni Municipality, he plays a crucial role in facilitating sustainable economic growth and development and creating jobs.
Rathiyaya’s academic background is impeccable. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (University of Venda), University Education Diploma (University of Venda), Diploma in marketing management (IMM), Master’s in business administration, and other qualifications.
Before joining the eThekwini Municipality, he was the Regional Manager for the Department of Trade and Industry, responsible for promoting direct investment and growth in the industrial and services economy of the Western Cape Province. He also worked as the Product Training and Development Manager for First National Bank.
The KwaZulu-Natal province is the second largest manufacturing province in South Africa, contributing 21% to the national manufacturing GDP. In 2021, KZN recorded 73%, which came from manufacturing, finance, business, and trade.
According to Rathiyaya, supporting manufacturing growth is a top priority for his municipality. He believes the link between manufacturing and economic growth can create jobs and inclusive and sustainable industrial development. Hence, eThekwini has partnered with the Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC).
“We’ve partnered with the Durban Automotive Cluster. The programmes are designed in such a way that the members participating within this cluster will get the same level of upgrading, the factory layout, and skills development.”
Rathiyaya said that due to the popularity of these programmes, the manufacturing clusters, with their current resources, are set to train 1 500 learners over the next three years.
The DAC was established in 2002 and is represented by 45 companies employing approximately 17,000 people. Funding for the DAC is overseen by the Economic Development and Investment Promotion Unit (ED &IPU) of the eThekwini Municipality, which Rathiyaya leads. The DAC is mandated to create jobs, accelerate economic transformation, and economic intelligence within the municipal region.
“We have programmes geared towards addressing issues the sector is experiencing. These programmes are designed to help members increase sales. Once they start maximizing sales revenue, that will put them in a good position to employ more young people,” Rathiyaya added.
