Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is strengthening its support for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) through a R12 million, three-year partnership with the Pan African Information Communication Technology Association (PAICTA), aimed at advancing digital skills, innovation and enterprise development. As part of the partnership, the Municipality officially opened an SMME support centre. The centre will provide SMMEs with access to support and skills development in areas including digital literacy, web development and entrepreneurship.
The support centre was officially opened by the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture, Councillor Bassie Kamana, who said the investment responds to the rapid pace of technological development and the need to ensure that local businesses, particularly young people and SMMEs, are able to participate in the digital economy.
“As the world develops, we do not want our people to be left behind. We need to be in par with the ever-developing world. Upskilling and entrenching our SMME digital presence becomes critical,” said MMC Kamana.
PAICTA President and CEO Sonwabo Mdwaba highlighted the importance of digital technology in strengthening small businesses, particularly township and informal businesses. He explained that digital solutions can assist businesses with areas such as stock management, ordering, administration and day-to-day operations, enabling business owners to better understand and manage their businesses. The organisation is also testing a digital business solution that is approximately 80–90% operational. According to Mdwaba, stakeholder engagement will take place before implementation to better understand the needs of local businesses, their level of awareness and interest, while also creating opportunities for partnerships.
The partnership places a particular emphasis on youth development and skills transfer, with PAICTA committed to training young people and communities in digital skills to help businesses adapt to an increasingly technology-driven economy. The official opening also included an MSME workshop themed “Powering Growth, Driving Compliance, Building the Future”, which provided SMMEs with an opportunity to gain practical knowledge on government procurement and business compliance. The workshop included procurement training from various government entities, including the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited Transformation Department and the Municipality’s Supply Chain Management unit.
Nelson Mandela BayMayor, Babalwa Lobishe, said support for SMMEs and local economic development remains an important part of the City’s economic development strategy.
“We understand that for us to achieve our goals of creating jobs, SMME and local economic support is critical, as these sectors are the biggest employers. It is therefore critical that the Municipality invests in digital upskilling and entrepreneurial support,” said Mayor Lobishe.
Through the partnership, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and PAICTA seek to equip local businesses with the digital capabilities, entrepreneurial knowledge and support needed to strengthen their operations and participate meaningfully in the changing economy. The initiative forms part of the Municipality’s broader efforts to support local economic development, create opportunities for SMMEs and young people, and build a more digitally capable business sector in Nelson Mandela Bay.
