Inventors good for economy

The chasm between private enterprise and the government must be bridged to allow innovative entrepreneurs to thrive and grow the economy.

"Knowledge is the currency of the global economy," Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor said at her department's Innovation Bridge technology showcase in Pretoria yesterday.

"If South Africa wants to compete in the 21st century, we must support research and innovation that will generate and grow jobs, now and in the future."

Pandor said she plans to create innovation spaces, with access to high-speed internet, where as many as 500 youths could brainstorm innovations and products.

Some of the uniquely South African innovations on display include the Sharksafe Barrier, a plasma waste-to-energy chemical process, a fire detection device for informal dwellings and a hydrogen cellphone charger.