Author: Staff Writer
NGQUSHWA MUNICIPALITY Empowers SMMEs through Incentive Grant Program.
The NGQUSHWA MUNICIPALITY, under the leadership of Mayor Cllr Maneli, proudly announces the resounding success of the SMMEs Incentive Grant Program. This landmark initiative, aimed at fostering local economic development and championing rural growth within the Amathole region, has positioned NGQUSHWA as a beacon of progress and prosperity.
During the esteemed event held at the Ncumisa Nkondlo Hall in Ngqushwa, the Acting Executive Mayor of AMATHOLE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, Cllr Pumaphi, made a heartfelt pledge to support the local municipality in its pursuit of developing the local economy and driving rural development. Recognizing the immense potential of SMMEs in transforming the economic landscape, the CEO of the Amathole Development Agency (ASPIRE), Mr. Avuyile Xabadiya, accompanied by Acting CFO, Mr. Xhantilomzi Nyaba, AMATHOLE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (ASPIRE) committed to funding SMMEs within the region.
Our plea to the local municipality to nurture these enterprises until they become fully fledged and competitive with industry giants has laid the foundation for a vibrant and inclusive business ecosystem.
“It is with great pleasure that the Amathole Development Agency introduces a beneficiary of our funding efforts, who is here today; a remarkable woman in business. Her success story exemplifies the transformative power of strategic partnerships,” said the CEO of the Amathole Development Agency.
The CEO commends the recent procurement bill and small enterprise amendment bill signed by the President, which empower SMMEs and ensure their equitable participation in the mainstream market. ASPIRE, in coordination with esteemed partners such as NYDA, SEDA, and other development stakeholders in the Amathole Region, stands firmly committed to supporting this program and providing much-needed funding opportunities for SMMEs.
The Amathole District Municipality, working with ASPIRE, has pledged to fund a minimum of three additional businesses in the Amathole Region, bolstering the entrepreneurial spirit and driving economic growth. In a remarkable display of solidarity, the district municipality has also pledged its support to SMMEs by injecting operational capital in the form of equipment. This commitment seeks to enable funded businesses to utilize the provided equipment effectively, catalyzing their growth and creating employment opportunities.
By doing so, NGQUSHWA MUNICIPALITY aims to ensure the successful rollout of funding to new beneficiaries in the upcoming financial year. The presence of esteemed organizations such as NYDA, ECDC, SEDA, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and ECRDA at the event further emphasized the collective effort to empower young entrepreneurs and drive rural economic development. These organizations showcased the vast funding opportunities available to SMMEs, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to nurturing a thriving business ecosystem.
The NGQUSHWA MUNICIPALITY proudly applauds the success of the SMMEs Incentive Grant Program and expresses sincere gratitude to all stakeholders, participants, and organizers who contributed to its achievements. This collaborative endeavor exemplifies the government's dedication to creating an enabling environment for SMMEs, fostering sustainable growth, and uplifting communities.
