The innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation recently attended and exhibited at the Cannabis Conference hosted by Tri-Medi Canna in collaboration with Apollon Formularies. This was in in an effort to learn and explore the emerging industry for the benefit of the agricultural wing of the Centre and the Agri-entrepreneurs it incubates.
The two-day conference was held at the Garden Court Hotel in Durban and was attended by esteemed guests which included the Deputy Minister of Health Dr Sbongiseni Dlomo, Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Trade and Investment Neville Matjie, the former eThekwini Mayor Mr James Nxumalo, the Small Business Development Director in Franchising and Enterprise Development Mr Mzi Memani and representatives from The University of KwaZulu Natal, and the South Africa Traditional Healers Association.
The conference was aimed at engaging various stakeholders including the government and the private sector on the vast opportunities available in the Cannabis sector. Moreover, it was to explore the potential contribution of this sector in growing the country’s economy. The discussion areas included cutting edge research and development, cultivation, transfer of skills, processing, and distribution of cannabis medication, mobilising and support of farmers participating in the production of cannabis, development, and implementation of special incubation programmes for start up famers and the creation of job opportunities.
Dr Bandile Mkhize, Chief Executive Officer of Tri-Medi Canna directed the programme of the day, opening with a brief introduction of the cannabis project and its role in the development of a sustainable economy through cultivation and processing of medicinal cannabis.
“We firmly believe the KwaZulu-Natal region has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to economic development in the country and beyond, through exploring untapped sectors such as the Cannabis industry,” said Dr Mkhize.
He further pleaded with all the attending stakeholders, putting emphasis on government departments to contribute and play their role in ensuring the success of this project.
Trade and Investment CEO, Neville Matjie acknowledged the potential contribution of this sector in bringing about change in the region. He further commended the role players in this sector for their innovation in the utilisation of cannabis and hemp in sectors such as medicine, paper and textile, building material, plastics and other various products.
“This is a critical sector that we are looking at further developing and specifically looking at the attraction of more investors, we are your partners in realising this sector growing,” added Matjie.
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Sbongiseni Dlomo applauded the role players in this project for utilising the cannabis plant for a positive course and to help improve the lives of people. He further encouraged that they do not focus on this plant alone, but also conduct more research on other indigenous plants that could potentially help improve the health and well-being of the people.
Pictured: Some of the team members of the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the conference.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Nontethelelo Mzizi
