Green Imbizos will ignite ‘game-changing ideas’
A GREEN Imbizo on every first Thursday of the month will convene in Cape Town to help ignite “game-changing ideas” in the quest to boost the economy.
This is according to Dr Moa Amis, an executive director at the African Centre for a Green Economy, following the announcement earlier this week that the South African economy was going into a technical recession after contracting for two consecutive terms.
“This is quite worrying, but at the same time it is a clear indication that business as usual can no longer suffice in Africa’s largest economy. Could things have been radically different if South Africa holistically embraced a green economy development trajectory? How can the economy be stimulated effectively? What happens to inequality and its attendant attributes? What does this trend mean for the rest of the continent?” Amis asked.
He said the answer was to convene a community meeting of elders, an imbizo, when faced with such daunting questions in Africa.
“In the same spirit, we will be convening a Green Imbizo, which will provide a solutions space to dissect the most difficult questions of the day, and to ignite game-changing ideas in the quest to build a well-being economy. The Green Imbizo will convene every first Thursday of the month, starting in Cape Town, but we intend to bring it into every town and household in South Africa and the continent by harnessing the power of technology.”
He said the imbizo would feature inspiring thought leaders, entrepreneurs and activists at the forefront of advancing the transition to a green economy in Africa.
“During these intimate sessions, these inspirational leaders will share their stories, their motivations and challenges in their endeavour to build a better society.”
MEC for Economic Opportunities Alan Winde said innovative entrepreneurs across a range of sectors have been showcased through the First Thursday programme and officials from the Departments of Agriculture and Economic Development and Tourism also attended the monthly events and could offer expert advice to entrepreneurs.
“I’ve met with several entrepreneurs who have attended over the past year, to share their ideas to grow the economy. I am also encouraged by the fact that organisations such as GreenCape have taken the initiative to use the platform to engage around solutions to threats and opportunities in this space to drive growth and jobs.”
Winde said GreenCape hosted an exhibition earlier this year featuring entrepreneurs who had come up with innovative solutions to the water crisis.
Meanwhile president of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry Janine Myburgh said they would be hosting the Small Business Development Expo at the River Club today and the Design for Future Living Expo on June 23.