In a bold step towards boosting youth entrepreneurship and township economies, Eastern Cape Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) MEC, Nonkqubela Pieters, has handed over 20 motorbikes with accessories to unemployed youth in Gqeberha. The handover is part of the Provincial Government s R1.3 million investment into Kasi Delivery Youth Empowerment Programme, aimed at equipping 50 young people with motorbikes, one year s insurance, and business support.

Funded through the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), an agency of DEDEAT, the programme includes training and a motorbike licence for all participants. The programme also marked a powerful start to Women s Month, with 11 of the 20 new delivery business owners being young women.

Isivile Dangazele, 22, one of the 11 young women beneficiaries is ecstatic to be a business owner. "I joined Kasi Delivery after completing my matric in 2021. I am now officially my own boss, and I will be able to generate my own income," she said.

In her address, MEC Pieters stated that the handover marks another important milestone in the government s journey to grow the township economy and create opportunities for youth. "These young men and women, who were once spectators of opportunity, are now becoming active players in the economy," she said.

To date, the Kasi Delivery Youth Empowerment Programme has trained 50 unemployed youth and delivered 40 motorbikes, complete with accessories and one year s insurance. The final 10 motorbikes will soon be handed over to the remaining beneficiaries, completing this impactful phase of the initiative.

This programme is part of the Eastern Cape Provincial Government s broader commitment to supporting township economies, empowering women and youth, as well as fostering inclusive, sustainable economic participation for all.