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IPAP and what it means

admin — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:46:49 +0000

Today we are tabling before Parliament and also making public, the 2010/11 – 2012/13 Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP). IPAP2, as it has become known, builds on the National Industrial Policy Framework (NIPF) and the 2007/8 IPAP. It represents a significant step forward in scaling up our efforts to promote long term industrialisation and industrial diversification beyond our current reliance on traditional commodities and non-tradable services. Its purpose is to expand production in value-added sectors with high employment and growth multipliers that compete in export markets as well as compete in the domestic market against imports. In so doing, the Action Plan also places emphasis on more labour absorbing production and services sectors, the
increased participation of historically disadvantaged people and regions in our economy and will facilitate, in the medium term, SA’s contribution to industrial development in the African region. As a country, South Africa has no alternative to the course of action we propose. Manufacturing and other productive sectors of the economy, are the engines of long-term sustainable growth and job creation in developing countries such as our own. However, SA’s recent growth was driven to too great an extent by unsustainable growth in consumption, fuelled by credit extension. Between 1994 and 2008 consumption driven sectors grew by 7.7% annually, compared with the productive sectors of the economy which grew by only 2.9% annually. This has meant that even at the peak of our average annual growth – 5.1% between 2005 and 2007 – unemployment did not fall below 22.8%.
Manufacturing – which constitutes a sizeable chunk of our value added production – has not enjoyed sufficient dynamism. This is mainly because the relative profitability of manufacturing has been low as a result of a number of factors.
2010/11 – 2012/13 Industrial Policy Action Plan
National Assembly Statement on IPAP2 by Dr Rob Davies

Original article [www.rhsupplychain.com]

An online communication strategy is crucial

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:22:51 +0000

By: Liesel Venter, FTW
An online communication strategy is crucial
In the online jungle, those savvy enough to make the most of the offerings are sure to walk away as kings.
In the sophisticated business world in which we operate, having a website is no longer enough, says Phillippa Fox, marketing and administrative executive of the Railways and Harbours Supply Chain Association.
“Online communication is not just about having a website, but rather an integrated presence and most companies should be investing in an online communication strategy.”
Fox says many still shrug off this way of communication as they believe they are not delivering a service or a product to the ordinary citizen. “Every business, regardless what type, should be communicating online and looking at the various options of marketing their businesses via the internet.”
She says because many don’t realise the importance of this type of communication websites are often not updated, with the information stale and uninformative.
“Ask yourself the questions – where is my business in the online wilderness? If someone were to search for your business would they need to know your name or would a search engine lead them to you? Essentially it is about where you stand in terms of search engine optimisation, ad sense, banners, Twitter accounts, Facebook or Slideshare to share presentations.”
Fox says these are just a few ways to connect with customers. “Online newsletters are gaining popularity while Skype has made a huge difference, along with instant messaging.”
She says it is no longer business as usual as traditional marketing methods have changed. “Getting yourself out there using technology is no longer just another option, but rather a must have.”

Original article [www.rhsupplychain.com]

A Smarter Supply Chain Network – RH NETWORK

admin — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:36:34 +0000

On October 1, 2009, the Railways and Harbours Supply Chain Association will officially launch the RH NETWORK. This web-based facility will operate under the auspices of Railways Africa and the World of Industries web environment. In the same way that social networking sites such as Facebook and Linkdin operate, the RH NETWORK provides an online business tool. This will allow for networking, connecting and will facilitate collaboration between suppliers and operators within the rail and port sectors globally.
The Railways and Harbours Supply Chain Association is an initiative originally set up by Transnet as a support service to its Competitive Supplier Development Programme (CSDP). The CSDP, which was developed by the Department of Public Enterprises, is being implemented in most state-owned enterprises.
The RH NETWORK tool allows for a broader scope of participation from operators throughout Africa. It will connect many more global suppliers to these industry sectors.

Original article [www.rhsupplychain.com]