04-09-2017
Wesgro is proud to announce that the Western Cape Medical Devices Cluster has been awarded R7.9 million by the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) Cluster Development Programme (CDP).
The CDP is an incentive programme that aims to promote industrialisation, sustainable economic growth and job creation needs of South Africa through cluster development and industrial parks.
In 2016, Wesgro partnered with Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism as well as the national Department of Science and Technology to help establish the Western Cape Medical Devices Cluster which - among other objectives - has been lobbying for more local procurement from the healthcare sector. The cluster is also the first of its kinds in the province, and currently has seven members.
"Since its inception, Wesgro's Business Retention and Expansion team has provided the Western Cape Medical Devices Cluster various support services. Last year we co-funded the business plan submitted to the DTI and brought the Kaiser Economic Development Partners on board to assist the cluster with its submission and formation.
"This funding will fulfil the cluster's vision to support the development of a competitive medical devices sector in the Western Cape by enabling the growth of its members and expansion of provision services that benefit the industry. This in turn will contribute to job creation, localisation, exports and improved healthcare provision in South Africa and abroad," said Wesgro CEO Tim Harris.