House Chairperson,
The ACDP asserts that this Budget Vote 39 of some R11.7 billion for DTIC must be evaluated against one central imperative: whether it is building a productive, industrialised, and globally competitive South African economy. The economic indices suggest not, and hence greater urgency is needed to unlock economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen beneficiation across strategic sectors.
The ACDP has lamented on South Africa’s reliance on exporting raw materials while importing higher-value finished products at greater cost. This model limits industrial expansion, weakens job creation, and prevents the country from fully benefiting from its mineral wealth. Beneficiation must therefore move from being a policy aspiration to becoming a measurable economic priority, through a beneficiation index, propagated by the ACDP. Our platinum, manganese, chrome, vanadium, and rare earth minerals should drive domestic manufacturing, battery production, green technologies, and industrial development within our borders.
The ACDP proposed accelerated beneficiation programmes and industrial value-chain development, providing stronger incentives for local mineral processing, refinery expansion, and downstream manufacturing industries.
Secondly, the ACDP asserts that greater support must be directed toward small and medium enterprises, township manufacturers, and youth-owned businesses. Many entrepreneurs continue to face barriers in accessing finance, markets, regulatory approvals, and procurement opportunities. Economic inclusion cannot succeed if smaller enterprises remain excluded from industrial growth opportunities.
Thirdly, South Africa must improve export competitiveness and regional trade integration. The African Continental Free Trade Area presents major opportunities for local manufacturers, yet logistical inefficiencies, port delays, and rising transport costs continue to undermine trade performance. Greater investment in trade facilitation, special economic zones, and export support programmes is urgently needed.
As Kingdom Builders, the ACDP believes that if implemented effectively, these reforms can position South Africa as not merely an exporter of raw resources, but as a leading industrial economy on the African continent.
House Chairperson, industrialisation remains the foundation of sustainable economic growth. South Africa cannot consume its way to prosperity; it must produce, manufacture, and innovate.
I thank you.
