Announcing the agency's 2012/13 performance results and its future outlook, UDDI chief executive, Patricia Dlamini, said this work was done on the back of yet another unqualified audit opinion and a sharpened focus on stimulating economic growth, investment and supporting entrepreneurship, social uplifting through education and training.
"The most exciting of UDDIs projects in 2012/13 was the launch of the flagship R30m Nelson Mandela Bay Science and Technology Centre in March 2013. The centre is a ground-breaker in its own right being the first standalone centre outside an institution of higher learning. The centre created 500 jobs during its construction and launch phases.
"In addition, the agency also implemented its eco-hub pilot project in the Despatch area in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism. An amount of R500,000 was spent on the project which transforms illegal dump sites in townships into workable vegetable production clusters using natural and waste resources," Dlamini said.
The UDDI also continued with its social upliftment projects such as the Back to School initiative. In 2012/13, the organisation distributed shoes, clothing and stationary to 1,800 needy learners from 15 schools in Uitenhage and Despatch. Since inception, about 5,000 shoes and other items have been donated.
The UDDI has also been working with the Independent Development Trust in the metro's Extended Public Works Programme initiatives. A total of 150 people were employed to beautify, clean and green selected areas. Half of those employed were military veterans. The program caters for the unemployed within the region. It aims to create job opportunities, address environmental challenges, provides skills training and development for unemployed people among others.
"However, ten years after its inception in 2003, the organisation has begun a comprehensive review which charts a new path for the UDDI as it moves into the next decade.
"This process has included a strategy review process which has identified strategic focus areas which should aid it in its efforts to change the socio-economic character of the Uitenhage-Despatch region. These include town regeneration which should lead to the enhancement of urban areas, creation of a vibrant environment that is competitive and enhances social cohesion."
"Enterprise development will be used as a tool to advance business incubation though the establishment of SMMEs while providing support packages, capacity building, new business solutions, investment opportunities and markets," explained Dlamini.
Another focus area is education, training and skills development which should lead to the provision of a unique, exciting curriculum and education experiences for educators and learners in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while incorporating research and development initiatives benefiting the broader community.
