Design Indaba 7 VIP dinner - Make my day

Which is why one supposes they are continually striving to create better products. His statement gets right to the heart of the impact designers can have in improving our interface with the world.

We were welcomed by MC for the evening, Mr Anand Naidoo, former local TV presenter whose familiar face now graces CNN International. Not to be in any way confused with Ravi Naidoo, formidable host and founder of the International Design Indaba - who introduced and thanked all the speakers, sponsors and special guests involved in this year's event.

Mr Ebrahim Rasool, Honorable Minister of Finance, and Economic Development for the Western Cape Province, commented upon how important design is to our economy, that it infuses other industries and creative arts in the Western Cape, such as fashion, textiles and architecture. He pointed out "the need to celebrate design and grow our creative industries" and thanked the world's leading designers for gracing us with their attendance at the Indaba, for inspiring, sharing and teaching us.

We can only hope that when he says "Design is the key to the upliftment of the quality of the life of all our people", he is not merely preaching to the converted attendees of the Design Indaba, but will take this message out into the realms of the decision makers and purse-string holders such as business and Government, and campaign them to embrace design, consult with designers and in so doing reap the benefits of a more buoyant economy.

Thanks to Interactive Africa for a pretty magical evening of mousse and music. See you later, taking notes, at the Indaba.

Visit: www.designindaba.com