The launch of the Tshwane East Manufacturing Incubation Center (TEMIC) by a partnership between Poynting Antennas and Lawrence Global Manufacturing will make it possible for users to mass-produce a new type of TV antenna dubbed the DigiAnt.
The joint venture is expected to contribute meaningfully to both South Africa and Africa’s migration.
Tervern Jaftha of the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) says the partenership will contribute to the first technology-based incubator for the steel manufacturing sector, and will provide invaluable structural support for small businesses.
“The incubation support programme is speared by Minister Rob Davies, and is one of his key projects. In general, the incubation support programme (ISP) gives a clear indication of the Minister’s commitment to the development of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in manufacturing industries and associated supply chains, with an emphasis on building symbiotic relationships between small enterprises and big business,” said Jaftha.
Director of Lawrence Global and TEMIC Chair, Reuben Olifant believed that the joint venture is committed to having an impact on SMMEs while producing a highly sought-after digital television antenna.
Eduard Walker, Poynting Antenna’s Digital Television (DTV) business unit manager and newly-appointed director of TEMIC, explains that television antennas have traditionally utilised the Yagi, Grid and Dipole type of antennas, whereas the DigiAnt uses a Vivaldi Horn antenna.
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“The DigiAnt signals the first time that this kind of antenna is used in the television environment,” says Walker. “No form of a Vivaldi Horn has previously been commercially used or sold as a television antenna.
Walker says that the DigiAnt offers sound performance, is locally produced from local products, and is recyclable. In addition, its comes in a compact box that is easy to transport.
Assembly of the DigiAnt will begin in March this year. It will take six months to reach pre-production phase locally and a further nine months to meet full capacity. It is anticipated that TEMIC will produce 1,5-million television antennas per year.
