Is South Africa's Industrial Policy a Realistic Growth Strategy or a Dead End? Frost & Sullivan Examines IPAP2

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 25, 2010 - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) unveiled South Africa's
2010/11 Industrial Policy Framework Action Plan (IPAP2) to Cabinet on 18
February. While IPAP2 focuses on improving growth in key manufacturing
sectors, the main thrust of the policy is to create sustainable employment.

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"Although the support and drive for the implementation needs to remain
the DTIs responsibility, industry engagement is an imperative to implementing
the plan with a long-term, action-oriented focus," says Frost & Sullivan
analyst Laura Peinke. "However, many private sector companies are interested
in how they can position themselves to make the most of government's planned
expenditure projects."

To offer decision makers a clear perspective on South Africa's industrial
policy, Frost & Sullivan will be hosting an online analyst briefing on
Tuesday 6 April 2010 at 2:00pm BST/ 3:00pm CAT. The briefing will provide an
overview of the key sectors affected by IPAP2 and the opportunities it
presents. It will also cover the levers for implementation of the IPAP2 and
the restraints to implementation. Finally, the briefing will conclude on
whether the plan has the resources and support to effectively support a
growth strategy for manufacturing. The discussion will benefit all entities
involved in the manufacturing sector in South Africa.

"Manufacturing productivity has continued to increase over the last ten
years, but Frost & Sullivan believes that this will not be sustainable,"
Peinke notes. "A number of factors are responsible for the decline in
manufacturing competitiveness, including the high cost and limited
availability of capital, a weak skills system, and unreliable and expensive
port and rail systems. Therefore, despite some criticism and misgivings
regarding the Industrial Policy Action Plan, it is imperative for industry to
engage with government and support the implementation of the Plan. In
addition, there are numerous opportunities for companies to engage with
government and make the most of planned expenditure projects."

To participate in this briefing, please email Katja Feick at
katja.feick@frost.com with the following information: your full name, company
name, title, telephone number, e-mail, address, company website and country.
Upon receipt of the above information, a registration link will be e-mailed
to you. You may also register to receive a recorded version of the briefing
at anytime by submitting the aforementioned contact details.

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    Contact:
    Katja Feick
    Corporate Communications
    E: katja.feick@frost.com
    www.frost.com

Katja Feick, Corporate Communications of Frost & Sullivan, katja.feick at frost.com