Section 1 examines South Africa's comparative industrial performance over approximately the last two decades – manufacturing value added (MVA), manufactured exports in aggregate and exports of dynamic manufactured products, and industrial structure. Two “equity dimensions” of this performance that feature strongly in government's objectives for manufacturing are then outlined – namely manufacturing employment and remuneration and the geographical spread of manufacturing.
Section 2 examines the policies effected by the dti to promote the development of industry. These include the policies and supports that are available to all firms and the supports that are for selected sectors, namely autos and auto components and clothing and textiles.
Section 3 advances some broad proposals that could enhance the institutional and organisational capacity to support industrial and business growth and development.