Gqeberha, South Africa, 6 November 2023 – As part of the ongoing nation-wide programme to support small businesses and informal traders, the Minister of Small Business Development, Honourable Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the Coega Development Corporation (Coega), was in the Eastern Cape last week Thursday and Friday.
The Minister participated in a walk-about following the Small Enterprise Development Agency’s (SEDA) Annual Stakeholder Forum at Royal St. Andrew’s Hotel, in Port Alfred. The Forum brought members of industry together to share SEDA’s Performance Report and explore collaborative development opportunities. Coega, as a key stakeholder, was represented by its SMME Training Manager, Ms. Ziyanda Kaleni- Mnyande, who highlighted Coega’s essential role in providing access to market opportunities and funding for SMMEs.
“Through its fully-fledged SMME Development Programme, Coega has been instrumental in enabling access to market opportunities and funding for SMMEs. The Programme places emphasis on capacity building and skills development for SMMEs through various training programmes, mentorship initiatives, and workshops. Coega also equips SMMEs with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape,” said Kaleni-Mnyande.
Mr. Mbulelo Jolingana, Director of Enterprise Development for DEDEAT, said: “We convened to engage with key stakeholders in a programme that signifies the latest advancements within the enterprise legislation of 1996. As we navigate the landscape of enterprise development in 2024, we urged SEDA to host a forum, serving as a conduit for invaluable feedback on our programmes and a platform to disseminate updates to our diverse stakeholders.”
This, he said, aligns with the National Integrated Small Enterprise Development Strategy (NISED), a blueprint developed by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), aimed at fortifying the ecosystems that underpin our enterprises and cooperatives.
“The strategy is underpinned by three pillars, encompassing both financial and non- financial support mechanisms for our enterprises. In addition, it is our collective mission as a nation to maintain a laser focus on the implementation of these initiatives. In this pursuit, we promote the holistic approach of strengthening the Triple Development Model, working in tandem with local municipalities. Together, we seek to unearth opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises and cooperatives, driving sustainable economic growth and development,” said Mr. Jolingana.
Last week, on Thursday, 2 November 2023, the Minister launched the Crudastar Incubator in Makana Local Municipality. The DSBD seeks to create an enabling environment for the growth and development of small enterprises with a bias towards rural and township-based start-ups owned by women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister stated that the success of business incubation hinges on a united effort of all stakeholders in the ecosystem.
“This innovation hub, fostering a diverse group of entrepreneurs across various sectors, relies on the comprehensive support offered by the Incubator. As entrepreneurs graduate and venture into the business world, they will require financial assistance and essential equipment.
“This underscores the significance of having the full support, especially from the government, while also inviting the private sector to join us in this endeavour. Government’s involvement is paramount, enabling us to monitor the impact of our investments and identify opportunities for these individuals. Therefore, coordination and collaboration are key to effective execution and economic growth,” said the Minister.
The Minister presided over the finals of the Eastern Cape Pitch for Funding competition, which is part of a platform for SMMEs to showcase their ideas, innovations, and business cases to the DSBD family and its partners, facilitating their access to both financial and non-financial support. The event closed with SEDA sharing its performance results. Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams was joined by dignitaries, including, Honourable Mlungisi Mvoko, MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism in the Eastern Cape; Cllr Deon De Vos, Executive Mayor of the Sarah Baartman Municipality; Cllr Yandiswa Vara, Executive Mayor of Makana Local Municipality; and Cllr Khululwa Ncamiso, Executive Mayor of Ndlambe Local Municipality.
The Minister handed over much-needed business equipment to several small businesses as part of the department’s Informal and Micro Enterprises Development Programme (IMEDP). IMEDP seeks to grow informal and micro enterprises to their full potential. It is also an intervention that helps address challenges relating to sustainable livelihoods, unemployment, and inequality.
On Friday, the Minister delivered a keynote address at RUCC Farmer’s Day at Glengazi Farm, Ndimakude, Port St John’s and wrapped up the programme with a hand over of business equipment at Winnie Madikizela Mandela Municipality.
