EMALAHLENI – Emalahleni entrepreneurs are set to receive R5 million through a support programme initiated by the municipality. Speaking at a Hollywood Foundation gala dinner in Emalahleni on Tuesday, April 30, Mayor Leah Mabuza announced that approximately R5 million would be allocated to qualifying businesses.
“We are on the verge of disbursing five million rand to support deserving SMMEs by procuring enabling business equipment for them, with a maximum value of hundred and fifty thousand Rands per entity, because this is a grant, not a loan,” she stated.
Mabuza also outlined the municipality’s ongoing efforts to support the SMME sector, mentioning the finalization of the establishment of the Emalahleni Economic Growth and Development Agency. This agency aims to build on the foundation laid by organizations like NYDA, MEGA, SEDA, and other financial development institutions.
The mayor emphasized the importance for SMMEs to keep pace with national and global economic evolution, stressing ethical leadership, thought leadership, innovation, and lifelong learning. “If we want to leverage our competitive advantage, we must stop taking shortcuts,” she added.
“I would like to see more local small and medium enterprises in the Green and 4IR space. Renewable energy and the digital economy have become a global multi-billion-dollar economy,” she continued.
She also cautioned against what she termed “corporate arrogance,” noting that many SMMEs fail due to a sense of complacency. “For your business venture to benefit from an African continent free trade agreement and in a global space, your business must be willing, ready, and able to break new ground.” The R5 million will be disbursed to Emalahleni entrepreneurs through the soon-to-be-finalized Emalahleni Economic Growth and Development Agency.
