REPORTER
TUESDAY, February 24, was a remarkable day for 20 entrepreneurs of the OR Tambo district as they received work tools from the Department of Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe. At the Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI) Kontsiwe handed over industrial sewing machines and overlockers to 20 clothing and textile enterprises as part of the department’s commitment to the development of enterprises and job creation in the province.
The programme, to which the department allocated over R2.2 million to support 103 clothing and textile cooperatives across the province, is testament to the provincial government’s focus in empowering local producers while strengthening the manufacturing capacity of the Eastern Cape.
MEC Kontsiwe emphasised the critical role of the clothing and textile industry in stimulating the growth of the provincial GDP.
“One of the reasons we are distributing these machines is to improve the local enterprises and stimulate job creation. The Eastern Cape specialises in traditional attire and every season, particularly in December, there is high demand for high quality traditional garments,” she said.
Mhlontlo Local Municipality mayor Mbulelo Jara said true leadership was about implementing solutions rather than just highlighting problems. His Local Economic Development portfolio head, Mbuti Voko, said that industrial machines will enable entrepreneurs to develop their businesses and create jobs.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to work diligently while ensuring that their products reach retail stores.
Farmer Xolile Nkompela welcomed the initiative and called for continuous monitoring of machines and other resources donated by the department.
“We need to ensure that resources given to farmers and enterprises serve their intended purpose in order to avoid theft and misuse,” he said and raised concern about the escalating livestock theft in the area.
One of the beneficiaries was Masiyithati Madikizela from Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, who said that the machines will improve the quality of her work.
Another beneficiary, Yoliswa Mtikrakra, expressed gratitude to the department for investing in their businesses.
