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On the 30th of September 2025, the Alfred Nzo District, Local Economic Development (LED) and Planning Unit, led by Councilor. B. Mvulana, chaired a high-level Local Economic Development Forum meeting at Cosy Posy Boutique Hotel in Lusikisi. The forum brought together entrepreneurs, farmers, government departments, and agencies to discuss strategies aimed at growing the regional economy.
What Happened
The LED Forum serves as a platform to connect business stakeholders, including small-scale farmers, livestock owners, and traders, with government entities to shape policies and opportunities for economic development.
Key updates included:
Ingwe Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College announced that from 2026 it will begin offering agricultural studies to equip young people with practical farming and agribusiness skills. The Eastern Cape Gambling Board stressed the importance of responsible gambling while highlighting potential economic opportunities linked to the sector. The Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Tourism outlined current programmes supporting entrepreneurs and individuals interested in their services.
The session also opened space for business representatives to raise concerns, share proposals, and provide feedback directly to officials.
Official Reaction
Councilor. B. Mvulana emphasised that the forum is essential for aligning local economic initiatives with community needs: “The LED Forum is a bridge between government and business. It helps ensure that policies are informed by real experiences on the ground, particularly in farming, tourism, and small business sectors.”
Officials from the various departments reassured participants that future engagements will build on this momentum, ensuring continuous collaboration.
Community Impact
For local entrepreneurs and farmers, the revival of the forum provides an opportunity to influence development decisions and benefit from tailored support programmes. Education and training prospects, such as the new agricultural studies at Ingwe TVET College, were welcomed as long-term investments in youth and community empowerment.
Participants expressed optimism that these discussions would translate into concrete action plans for job creation, skills development, and sustainable growth in Lusikisiki and surrounding areas.
