dtic Innovation Workshop in Thohoyandou: Empowering Rural and Township Entrepreneurs in Limpopo
Thohoyandou – The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) is set to join forces with the Vhembe District Municipality, the University of Venda, and the Vhembe Technical and Vocational Education and Training for a key innovation workshop. This event, happening on Thursday, 20 November 2025, at the University of Venda’s Sport Hall in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, forms part of a broader push to nurture South African innovators from the ground up. From turning ideas into prototypes to safeguarding intellectual property and bringing innovations to market, the workshop promises to unlock opportunities for local talent in underserved areas.
This initiative comes at a time when rural and township communities in Limpopo are ripe for growth, especially in sectors like agriculture and agro-processing. With the province’s economy heavily reliant on farming, events like this aim to bridge the gap between grassroots ideas and commercial success. The gathering will not only share vital information but also spotlight how government programmes can fuel economic upliftment in regions often overlooked.
Unearthing Hidden Innovations in Rural Communities
The main goal of the workshop is to discover technologies and ideas bubbling up in rural and township settings across the Vhembe district and beyond. Participants will get a chance to network, explore technology development paths, and dive into ways to commercialise their creations. It’s about fostering innovative thinking that can solve local problems while driving broader economic progress.
Innovation has a clear tie to growth, as seen in how advanced countries build their strength on fresh ideas and industrial might. In South Africa, this means tapping into the wealth of knowledge in places like Vhembe, where people have long relied on traditional skills but often lack the tools or funding to scale up. The workshop will shine a light on these untapped resources, helping entrepreneurs access support to turn concepts into viable businesses.
For instance, in areas with limited infrastructure, locals have developed clever solutions for everyday challenges, from water management to energy use. Government steps in here with funding, training, and connections to make these ideas market-ready. This event builds on recent efforts at the University of Venda, such as the commercialisation training held in late October 2025, which brought together experts to guide innovators on turning research into real-world products.
Spotlight on Key Support Programmes for Entrepreneurs
A big focus will be on the dtic’s lineup of incentives designed for small businesses and start-ups. Leading the charge is the Khoebo Innovation Promotion Programme (KIPP), which targets township and rural economies by backing small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) with financial and non-financial aid. Launched in recent years across provinces like the Free State, KIPP helps early-stage innovators commercialise locally developed technologies, aiming to create jobs and stimulate local markets.
KIPP does not stand alone – it links up with other schemes for a stronger impact. The Support Programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII) acts as a key feeder, offering grants to promote technology development in South Africa’s industries. SPII covers everything from product and process improvements to prototype building and market testing, with funding that can reach up to 75% of qualifying costs for certain projects. This makes it easier for businesses to innovate without bearing the full financial risk.
Given Limpopo’s strong agricultural base, the workshop will also cover incentives for agro-processing and manufacturing. These sectors hold huge potential in Vhembe, where farming activities like fruit production and livestock rearing can be enhanced through innovative tools, such as biogas systems for energy or smart water-energy-food nexus approaches to boost sustainability. Past studies in the district highlight how biogas technology alone could benefit hundreds of thousands of households by turning animal waste into clean energy, reducing reliance on traditional fuels and cutting emissions.
Presentations will come from a range of players, including the Department of Small Business Development, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA), the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), the University of Venda, Vhembe Municipality, and other partners. They will outline their services, from business advice to IP protection, ensuring attendees leave with a clear roadmap.
Insights from dtic’s Takalani Ramuthaga on Driving Local Growth
Takalani Ramuthaga, the Acting Chief Director of Operations in the dtic’s Investment and Spatial Industrial Development branch, has been a vocal champion for these efforts. With her background in innovation and technology programmes, she stresses the link between fresh ideas and economic advancement. Ramuthaga points out that engaging rural entrepreneurs can spark local activity, creating jobs and building self-reliant communities.
She highlights how workshops like this identify gaps in current support systems, especially in townships and rural spots where policies might fall short. By gathering feedback, the dtic can refine programmes to better serve these areas. Ramuthaga also notes the value of traditional knowledge in Vhembe, where communities have honed skills in resource management despite challenges like water scarcity. Through interventions like funding and partnerships, these can be elevated to compete on a national stage.
In past engagements, such as those in the Northern Cape, Ramuthaga has called for more applications from disadvantaged groups, showing a commitment to inclusivity. Her role extends to recognising intellectual property as a business asset, helping firms protect and monetise their innovations for long-term success.
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