A massive financial injection of over R14.25 million has been rolled out to support small businesses across the Amathole District, marking a significant push by local and national government to stimulate inclusive economic growth and create jobs.
The Amathole District Municipality (ADM), in partnership with the national government, recently hosted the Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Tembisa Ndabeni, at the Komga Town Hall for a major handover of productive assets and business equipment to qualifying Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Operating under the theme "Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship," the event aimed to empower local business owners with the physical tools they need to expand their operations.
ADM Executive Mayor Anele Ntsangani hailed the multi-million-rand investment as a critical milestone in strengthening the district’s struggling economy.
"This investment demonstrates government's commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and growing the local economy," Ntsangani told attendees. "By providing productive assets and business support, we are enabling small businesses to become sustainable, create employment and improve the livelihoods of our communities." Ntsangani added that the district remains committed to working alongside all spheres of government to unlock further economic opportunities for its residents.
The R14.25 million in enterprise development support was distributed across four funding programmes. A significant portion was delivered through the Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme (IMEDP), which provided essential assets to 147 informal and micro-enterprises from the Great Kei and Ngqushwa local municipalities. The rollout strongly favoured marginalized groups, directly benefiting 108 women, 31 youth, and 13 persons with disabilities.
Complementing the national initiative, the ADM also rolled out its own "Business in a Box" programme. Through this initiative, six informal hair salons were equipped with professional salon equipment to upgrade their services. Four of the beneficiaries operate in the Mnquma Local Municipality, while two are based in Amahlathi.
During the handover, beneficiaries were urged to leverage the new equipment to build sustainable, long-term enterprises. Officials highlighted that beyond physical assets, continued skills development, access to information, and strong partnerships are vital for surviving in the small business sector. Closing the event, Great Kei Local Municipality. Executive Mayor Ngenisile Wellington Tekile praised the collaborative effort. He noted that the initiative not only created meaningful, immediate opportunities for local entrepreneurs but also strengthened the inter-governmental partnerships necessary to advance economic development across the Amathole District
