Agencies operating under the umbrella of the Department of Trade and Industry will receive R1,7-billion to promote black economic empowerment (BEE) and small-business development, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel said on Wednesday.
Delivering his budget speech to Parliament, he said an additional R380-million will go to the national empowerment fund to promote broader participation in the economy.
A further R300-million will be allocated to this critical infrastructure programme to promote private-sector investment.
Manuel said another R300-million will be used to attract local and international filmmakers to South Africa.
An amount of R1,2 billion was set aside for science and technology, including R500-million for government’s contribution to the Square Kilometre Array telescope, should it be built in South Africa.
The South African Research Network, aimed at providing low-cost broadband links for the academic community, will get R95-million, while a further R60-million was allocated to set up science research chairs at major universities, Manuel said. — Sapa