Vacancy: Innovation Champions For Local Economic Development X 8
Innovation Champions For Local Economic Development X 8 – Successful candidates will be placed at the Department of Management Sciences (SPU), the Namakwa District Municipality and the six Local Municipalities (Hantam, Karoo Hoogland, Kamiesberg, Nama Khoi, Khai Ma and Richtersveld) to provide support in fostering innovation-driven local economic development (LED) through the implementation of the Innovation Champions for Local Economic Development (IC4LED) Programme. The IC4LED project is an initiative of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) with a vision to transition towards innovation-driven local economies in all the municipalities of South Africa.
Broadband Fibre Installation Business Incubation Programme
In response to the increasing need for digital infrustructure and connectivity, this programme will build the capacity of 10 locally-based fibre optics entrepreneurs. With a focus on gender inclusivity, 60% of selected businesses will be female-owned and led MSMEs. Each entrepreneur will be supported to employ and train 5–10 local installers, fostering job creation and skills development in the district.
Enterprise Business Incubation Programme
Focusing on growth and industrial innovation, this programme supports entrepreneurs currently in pre-incubation, helping them transition into incubation with structured technical assistance, mentorship, market access opportunities, and resources. The program will help enterprises explore diverse growth sectors within the Namakwa District, creating scalable solutions that respond to the District’s Economic Nodes and Landscape.
Student & Youth Artisanal Enterprise Incubation Programme
This programme aims to inspire and develop youth and student-led artisanal enterprises across the Namakwa District Municipality. Participants will receive tailored support to turn their creative and technical skills into viable businesses that support the mining, agriculture, renewable energy industry and uplift their communities while celebrating the unique heritage and craftsmanship of The Namakwa District.