Andile Moshoeshoe 

IN a determined effort to transform emerging enterprises into a thriving economic powerhouse capable of tackling unemployment, the Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Local Municipality (NDZ) intensified its investment in youth-owned small businesses through donations of equipment and productive assets.

The Wednesday, June 17, handover ceremony at Bulwer Hall brought smiles to beneficiaries as they welcomed machinery and business equipment to boost their businesses. Mayor Sindi Msomi emphasised that the municipality’s support for young entrepreneurs extends far beyond symbolic gestures.

She urged young people to seize opportunities created through government programmes and to build sustainable businesses capable of generating employment within their communities.

“We are not simply handing over equipment for the sake of doing so. Our vision is to see these enterprises expand, become self-sustaining, and ultimately create meaningful employment for others,” Msomi said.

Deputy Mayor Kholeka Hadebe echoed these sentiments, dismissing any notion that the initiative was driven by political expediency. She stressed that the programme has been in existence for many years and has consistently empowered local entrepreneurs by equipping them with the tools required to grow their businesses.

“This is not an electioneering campaign,” Radebe said and further explained that this was a long-standing economic empowerment programme whose impact is visible in the success stories of many local businesses that have benefited over the years.

The atmosphere inside Bulwer Hall was one of gratitude and renewed optimism, with beneficiaries expressing heartfelt appreciation to the municipality for investing in their entrepreneurial aspirations.