- Municipal Commitment to Local Economic Growth: The Alfred Nzo District Municipality reaffirmed its dedication to promoting economic development and small business growth following a visit by MMC for Planning and Economic Development.
- Support for Imida Yam Developments: Imida Yam Developments, a small enterprise supported through the District Cement Product Manufacturing Hubs Programme, has received significant infrastructure and technical support to enhance its operations.
- Challenges Faced by the Small Enterprise: The company encounters operational and transportation costs, equipment concerns, financial pressures from testing and delayed payments, impacting its overall performance.
The Alfred Nzo District Municipality reaffirmed its commitment to local economic growth and small business development following an oversight visit by MMC for Planning and Economic Development, Councillor Banele Qwayede, on 29 August 2025. The visit focused on Imida Yam Developments, a small enterprise in Maluti supported through the District Cement Product Manufacturing Hubs Programme.
Established in 2022 by Mr. Ndima Mtoto and Ms. Oyama Mtoto, Imida Yam Developments has received a 50kVA backup generator, office renovations, 10,000 L and 5,000 L water tanks, electricity upgrades, an electric block-making machine, and technical training. The company currently employs nine full-time staff.
During the visit, MMC Qwayede reviewed the company’s performance and discussed challenges, including high operational and transport costs, a small block-making machine raising NHBRC concerns, financial pressures from block testing and delayed project payments, and cash flow difficulties.
Despite these challenges, Imida Yam Developments has successfully supplied 250,000 blocks for government human settlements projects, secured three new contracts, produces 1,000 blocks daily, and maintains strong collaboration with local enterprise Kamva Elihle.
MMC Qwayede urged municipal management to continue supporting Imida Yam Developments to ensure sustainability, emphasizing that the success of small businesses is vital for job creation and a resilient local economy.
