Developing the KZN economy through research

Developing the KZN economy through research

The Moses Kotane Institute

The Moses Kotane Institute (MKI) aims to be a global leader in research playing their part in the development of KwaZulu-Natal’s economy. The Institute develops “practical research-based solutions on priority sectors.”

MKI assists the government to adopt digital technologies and innovative solutions. It promotes integration, developing inclusive growth and contributes to job creation. It recognises the digital divide and through the digital revolution seeks to ensure a socioeconomic benefit for KwaZulu-Natal residents.

Its other objectives include:

• Eradicating the digital illiteracy forgovernment departments;

• Narrowing the digital divide amongstcitizens and government;

• Promoting digital skills development;

• Promoting digitisation of small businessesto work efficiently with government andcitizens;

• Expanding development and inclusivenessof digital projects within rural communities;

• Coordinating business activities efficientlybetween public and private sector, lastly,

• To increase connectivity within theprovince

Please could you tell us about the mandate of the Moses Kotane Institute.

The Moses Kotane Institute is an entity of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government through the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), with a mandate to conduct world class research to respond to the needs of the provincial economy.

How does the institute promote innovation and technology?

The Institute’s role is to coordinate innovation activities on behalf of the province, and it encourages innovators to be entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs to be innovators. This is done through lectures, dialogues, summits, competitions and enabling platforms such as digital centres, innovation awards, etc.

Please could you tell us about the Moses Kotane Institute Research Fund

The MKI Research Fund is a grant for researchers and innovators focusing in the scientific and technological fields, for the purposes of economic development.

Why is it important for policy development and service delivery to be backed by research?

The research we conduct on priority economic sectors assists the province in responding to economic needs, and to develop sector specific interventions that contribute to economic growth and development. The research projects we embark on entails collection of data; documentation of critical information; and analysis and interpretation of that data/ information, in accordance with suitable methodologies set by specific professional fields and academic disciplines.

What are the Digital Centres and how can they benefit communities?

The Digital Centres are a catalyst in fast tracking activity for economic development in rural and township areas. KwaZulu-Natal is a province rich in academic and technological excellence and most Digital Centre’s or electronic and manufacturing companies in KwaZulu-Natal are positioned within urban areas thus, the need to re-position Digital Centres in townships and rural areas is pivotal for socio-economic development in peripheral areas. These centres are providing the key services to entrepreneurs and innovators to establish themselves and ICT infrastructures for digital skills development.

The Objectives:

• To provide access to information and infrastructure

• To conduct ICT training and enterprise development

• To coordinate and support ideas to commercialisation

• To enhance support for innovators and entrepreneurs

• To promote innovation and technology activities

• To drive innovation at the local level

What are the hackathons and what is the objective behind them?

A hackathon is an initiative that brings together young IT experts to create and build new solutions and programmes. The objective of a hackathon is to create solutions to community challenges by providing a platform for innovation, discourse, and the sharing of information. Young developers and IT experts participate in MKI hackathon challenges to create digital solutions to ignite innovation and advance entrepreneurship in the youth of KZN.

How do you plan on celebrating Women’s Month?

Amongst the many plans for celebrating women's month, there are 2 events that we plan to either host or partner with other stakeholders. On the 11th of August we will be hosting a Women in Innovation event at our Durban – La Mercy – Offices.

Themes:

• Championing and uplifting women in innovation.

• Uplifting women – enriching humanity.

Discussion:

How to create an enabling environment for brilliant women spearheading, building,

launching, or facilitating the creation of products, services, and experiences that are inventive and commercially successful.

Objective: Women are powerful agents of change, and the farreaching benefits of diversity and gender parity in leadership and decision-making are increasingly recognized in all spheres.

Still, women continue to be vastly under-represented in decision-making in politics, businesses, communities and more especially in the innovation & technology space.

On the 24th of August we have partnered with SAIMA to host the IMBOKODO IN MARITIME TRANSFORMATION AGENDA - “In Conversation with Men”

MOSES KOTANE INSTITUTE GRADUATION 2021

The Moses Kotane Institute rolled out a digital skills development programme in the 2020- 2021 financial year. The digital skills development programme aims to address the skills gap and capacitate youth, SMMEs and innovators with relevant skills required in the current economic landscape. The need to provide training on digital skills and entrepreneurial skills to unemployed youth, SMMEs and innovators is necessary to create economic opportunities in rural and township areas of KwaZulu- Natal. Against this backdrop MKI hosted a certification programme to recipients who have successfully completed the various training programs

that have been offered by MKI. A total of 290 learners from the ages of 18-35 years were awarded their certification for completing the MKI capacity development programmes at the MKI Digital Centres in Kokstad, Mandeni, uPhongolo, UMfolozi and OKhahlamba.

Contact Details:nokuthula.shongwe@moseskotane.com083 867 2037