Vote of thanks, TIHMC Board Chairperson, Adv Kgotso Maja
Event: SOD Turning Ceremony
Date: 04 June 2025
GGDA and TIHMC Board Members
Our Partners and Anchor Tenant, Dr Jennifer Molwantwa, CEO of Water Research Commission
Mr Oupa Seabi, CEO of Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency (GIFA)
Mr Rowan Crowie, Chairman of Crowie Holdings
Ledwaba Mazwai Attorneys
Senior Funder, Absa
CEOs of National System of Innovation Institutions
Our Partners in the innovation ecosystem
Our esteemed Guests, Members of the media, good afternoon.
It is a real honour to stand before you today, following the symbolic breaking of ground for the Enterprise Building 3 (EB3) at The Innovation Hub where we welcome Water Research Commission to the park. This moment is more than ceremonial — it signifies the start of an exciting journey that embodies our collective commitment to innovation, collaboration, and transformative development. Today, we did not just turn soil — we turned vision into action.
This sod-turning marks the beginning of a bold new chapter, one driven by strong partnerships and a shared vision to fully unlock the potential of The Innovation Hub as a world-class innovation precinct. To the Gauteng Provincial Treasury, and especially Honourable MEC for Finance and Economic Development, thank you for your leadership, trust, and unwavering support throughout this journey. Your approval under PFMA Section 66(2) gave this project the green light, and we are profoundly grateful. Your belief in innovation as a driver of growth in Gauteng, and your guidance in navigating this complex project, have been invaluable.
To our private sector partner, Notre Damme Developments, Crowie Holdings and Enza, Ledwaba Mazwai Attorneys, GIFA, National Treasury and the owner of the building Water Research Commission — thank you for recognising the opportunity this development presents and for believing in the promise of The Innovation Hub. We look forward to walking this 45-year journey with you.
To ABSA, our senior funder — thank you for your confidence in this partnership. Your investment is not only financial but a strong vote of confidence in the future of innovation in Gauteng. To the TIHMC Board, thank you for your foresight and courageous leadership in empowering the team to pursue this vision with conviction.
And to everyone who worked behind the scenes — Mr Mothibedi Matshele who led this project for many years, Marketing and Communications team under the leadership of Ms Linah Nematandani — your tireless efforts, often unnoticed, have made today possible. We deeply appreciate your work.
As we have placed the first spade into the ground, we are not simply starting a construction project. We are laying the foundation for the future — a future where The Innovation Hub is not just a space, but a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive opportunity.
Let us embrace this new era — together.
Thank you.
The Innovation Hub Management Company (SOC) Ltd
1 Mark Shuttleworth Street, The Innovation Hub, Pretoria, 0087
Tel: +27 12 844 0000, www.theinnovationhub.com
Directors: Adv K Maja (Chairperson), Mr L Marincowitz (Deputy Chairperson), Mr L Mbokotho, Ms F Serutha, Mr L Nkuna, Ms L Mvelase, Ms J Moses Koka, Mr B Mpangalasane (Ex-Officio)
A Subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency SOC Ltd
