In a bold move to grow township entrepreneurship and tackle youth unemployment, the MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Nonkqubela Pieters, handed over 20 motorbikes and accessories to young business owners in Gqeberha townships today.
The beneficiaries, who completed training under the Kasi Delivery Youth Empowerment Programme, are now equipped to run their own delivery businesses. The initiative is a partnership between the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), Kasi Delivery, the Small Enterprise Development & Finance Agency (Sedfa), and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
This milestone brings the total number of empowered youth under the programme to 40, with another 10 motorbikes soon to be distributed.
Notably, 11 of the 20 recipients were young women—fittingly during Women’s Month.
MEC Pieters described the handover as a meaningful step in creating a self-sufficient township economy.
“This is not just about handing over keys. It is about unlocking potential and building a future where young people drive change and growth,” she said. “They’re now key players in our economy, connecting local businesses with customers faster and affordably.”
The R1.3 million investment from ECDC covers bikes, insurance, accessories, training, and licensing. Kasi Delivery provided hands-on training and secured learner and driver licences for all participants.
“Today’s investment is for the Eastern Cape of the future,” Pieters concluded.
