2009 KDF Conference Graaff-Reinet

Conference proceedings

The major highlight of 2009 was the Greater Karoo Development Conference, held on 26-27 March in Graaff-Reinet. The Conference was co-funded by the NRF, the Open Society Foundation, the Northern Cape Department of Economic Affairs, the Western Cape Department of Economic Affairs, and the Cacadu District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. The Camdeboo Local Municipality in Graaff-Reinet sponsored the venue. The Conference included 25 papers, in five key themes: Regional Development, Tourism, Agriculture, Business Development and Cultural Development. The Conference ended with a discussion session of the Karoo Development Foundation's Working Group, which highlighted new themes for research and development. The Conference was attended by two senior officials of Desert Knowledge Australia, and their costs were funded by AUSAID. The event received a great deal of media coverage, including Radio Sonder Grense, which transmitted their morning news programmes from our Graaff-Reinet venue.

Conference Programme / List of Exhibitors / List of Speakers

Sponsorship Page Trade Fair: Opening address by Mayor of Cacadu District Municipality

The Mighty Angels Khoisan Dance Group provided entertainment at the Opening of the Trade Fair
Mighty Angels Khoisan Dance Group from Koukamma Municipality in the Cacadu District.
The beautiful dancers of the Mighty Angels Khoisan Dance Group
Mighty Angels Khoisan Dance Group from Koukamma Municipality in the Cacadu District.
Nqweba Choir from Graaff-Reinet. Choir and Khoisan dancers at of Trade Fair.
The Ncweba choir of Graaff-Reinet performed at the Opening Ceremony of the Karoo Trade Fair
The Mayor of Camdeboo Local Municipality, Mr Daantjie Japhta, opening the Conference
Ms Patricia de Lille, Trustee of the Karoo Development Foundation, opening the Trade Fair
The keynote speaker, Ms Sue van der Merwe, Trustee of the Karoo Development Foundation
Prof Bruce Rubidge of Wits University, speaking on the fossil heritage of the Karoo
Prof Erwin Schwella of the University of Stellenbosch, facilitating the Karoo Working Group discussion
Prof Lucius Botes ofthe University of the Free State, Trustee of the Karoo Development Foundation
Ms Riana van der Ahee, recounting her experiences as a Karoo entrepreneur
Ms Melissa Wahl, speaking on solar energy options in the Karoo
Ms Jan Ferguson of Desert Knowledge CRC, providing insights from the Australian experience at the Working Group discussion
Mr Gugile Nkwinti, the MEC for Agriculture in the Eastern Cape and now Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, encouraged the promotion of development in the Karoo
Mr Johan van Jaarsveld of Montego Feeds in Graaff-Reinet, speaking about the potential of manufacturing in the Karoo
Mr Ken Johnson of Desert Knowledge Australia, explaining the parallels between the Karoo and the Outback
Dr Danny Titus, ATKV, discussing the creation of human, cultural and social capital in the Karoo.
Ms Deidre van Rooyen, University of the Free State, analysed the implications of uranium mining in the Karoo
Mr Emil Nothnagel of the University of the Western Cape, explaining the concept of Business Hubs
Mr Duma Magxwaliso of Cacadu District Municipality, chairing the session on business development
Mr Darryl Davids of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, speaking on literary tourism in the Karoo
Mr Al Soko of the Department of Transport, Eastern Cape, exploring the interface between transport and tourism in the Karoo
Mr Aggrey Mahanjane, of NERPO, speaking on the empowerment of black farmers

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