– The Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, in collaboration with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA), Cell C, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), and Mpumalanga Stainless Initiative (MSI), hosted a Business and Procurement Workshop at Adelaide Tambo Community Hall in Mhluzi on Monday, June 24, 2024, and another at Nasaret Community Hall the following day.
The workshops aimed to equip young local entrepreneurs with vital skills and opportunities through empowerment sessions. Khanyisile Mlangeni, Municipal Youth Manager, said the workshops were organised to provide local small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) with relevant skills to expand their businesses. “We realised that many young people in Steve Tshwete have small businesses but lack the skills to grow them,” she explained. She added that the partnership with stakeholders will unlock business opportunities and provide advice on how to access funding. “Some of you have great business ideas, but lack the necessary funds. Please take advantage of this opportunity to gather as much information as possible, which will help you succeed in achieving your dreams.”
Nompumelelo Jiyane from NYDA elaborated on their role, stating that they offer financial support ranging from R1,000 to R250,000 and urged attendees to take advantage of the opportunity. Attendees engaged in one-on-one sessions with the participating entities, exploring various opportunities tailored to their entrepreneurial ambitions.
Lindokuhle Mahlangu, a young participant, found the workshop informative but expressed concerns about the strict criteria for funding. “But I feel the criteria they’re using is too strict; some of us don’t even meet the first threshold for NYDA funding, and we’re struggling to get funded. Nonetheless, the workshop really helped us gain more insight,” he said.
The workshop also addressed the municipal procurement process, emphasizing the need for registration on the Central Supplier Database (CSD), CK documents, rates and taxes, share certificates, and tax clearance pins.
