As businesses and individuals across the country adjust to our current reality, we hope that you have all settled well into your new physical and virtual spaces. The move from office to home brings some challenges, but hopefully you are finding some balance.

As a country, we are not alone in our fight to contain and fight/beat COVID-19. The pandemic has disrupted world economies, international travel relations, and has forced entire countries into lockdown in order to curb the spread of the disease.

As you know, President Cyril Ramaphosa mandated South Africa’s lock-down which started on 26 March and is currently scheduled to end on 30 April 2020. From an organisational perspective, we know that the last few days have been rough. Whilst our offices have shut down and we have retreated to our homes, we are striving for business-as-usual. Our working remotely will have minimal if no negative impact on our service delivery as we continue to make a difference and serve our entrepreneurs, tenants and stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem. Concurrently, we are encouraging our stakeholders to take this pandemic seriously, to stay home and be safe, and to continue to adhere to preventative measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Amid the COVID-19 global challenges and Moody’s downgrade ratings of our country, The Innovation Hub has just ended our 2019/20 financial year on a positive note.

We know that we are now in a new financial year at a time when the country will be in an even tougher place economically; however, we remain confident that we will bounce back as a country, and together as an organisation.

Although we have experienced challenges, allow me to take this opportunity to reflect on our achievements. In the State of the Province Address in February, the Premier of Gauteng, Mr David Makhura mentioned The Innovation Hub and its satellite township hubs; eKasiLab and the role that the programme play in the innovation corridor, “The work of the Silicon Valley of Africa remains on track. This includes the integration of The Innovation Hub, the Gauteng network of eKasilabs, Tshimologong precinct, universities and research institutions as well as the creation of high-tech SEZ”. With this statement, it is evident that our political principals expect us to continue to innovate quickly in order to grow the economy of the country and especially of the Gauteng Province. Innovation remains a powerful catalyst to build a knowledge economy and help South Africa become more globally competitive. It is very important that we expand the offerings of The Innovation Hub with the purpose of growing it into Africa’s Silicon Valley that will drive the development of our digital economy. This means changes and development for us.

Globally, Science Parks are changing their internal structures and zoning to include re-organised spaces for people to interact, live, work and play. This concept will form part of our land development strategy for The Innovation Hub. To this effect, The Innovation Hub Board has established a sub-committee to manage property development of The Innovation Hub, taking into cognisance the Silicon Valley concept. We are continuing to work closely with all role players in order to expand the park and create the appropriate conducive space. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and University of Pretoria (UP), National Departments and other strategic partners in the innovation ecosystem will be consulted throughout the process.

We are also in a continuous process of upgrading the Park through maintenance of various elements including IT infrastructure and existing buildings. The construction of BioPark Phase 3 is also in progress and will be completed later this year.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all The Innovation Hub employees who have continued to ensure our prosperity during my two years since I joined the organisation, first as General Manager: Commercial Operations, then as Acting CEO and then CEO. I am truly fortunate to have a team that is dedicated and always willing to advance the state of innovation and entrepreneurship in South Africa. As you have supported me, I would like to assure you that as The Innovation Hub team we are also here to support you in return.

My gratitude also goes to our shareholders, under the leadership of the MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture and Environment, Ms Morakane Mosupyoe; Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, under the leadership of our Group Chief Exceutive, Ms Mosa Tshabalala; and TIHMC Board Members led by Dr Tshilidzi Ratshitanga, for their sterling leadership and support.

Although we are experiencing challenges as a country, we look forward to the start of the new financial year with renewed and refreshed focus. The 2020/21 year will have a specific focus on intensifying land for development, the expansion of eKasiLabs and strategic partnerships, as well as ensuring we can continue helping local innovators with incubation, business development and commercialisation endeavours.

We remain hopeful that we will host excellent and well-organised events, including our GAP Awards 2020 in honour of innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs that are working on novel ideas to improve the efficiencies of government service delivery.

To stay abreast of all the exciting entrepreneurship news, information and opportunities available at The Innovation Hub, connect with us on our social media platforms: follow us on Twitter @Innovhub, like us on Facebook @InnovhubZA and Instagram @Innovhub or visit our website www.theinnovationhub.com. Alternatively email us: info@theinnovationhub.com. We are always pleased to hear from you.

On behalf of The Innovation Hub, I thank you for being part of our innovation ecosystem community. Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones during this trying period and continue to play your part in limiting the spread of COVID-19. It is our wish to see you back healthy and well to conquer the rest of 2020.

Advocate Pieter Holl