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In a bold step to empower rural youth and grow local businesses, the Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, today delegated Mbhashe Local Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Samkelo Janda, to hand over a 4-ton truck and solar panels to Nawiz Logistics Solutions in Govan Mbeki township.
The handover forms part of the Isiqalo Youth Fund Programme, aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs in rural areas.
What Happened
Nawiz Logistics Solutions, a youth-owned company based in Dutywa, received equipment worth R1.5 million, including a truck and solar panels. This investment is expected to boost the company’s national operations, improve sustainability, and strengthen its role in local economic development.
The business is one of several beneficiaries of the Isiqalo Youth Fund, a programme championed by the Mbhashe Local Municipality to address youth unemployment and economic exclusion in rural communities.
“This truck is going to operate nationally. Now there is nothing stopping us,” said Sinawo Sidziya, founder of Nawiz Logistics Solutions.
Official Response
During the handover ceremony, Councillor Samkelo Janda expressed his appreciation to the provincial leadership for investing in rural youth enterprises.
“We appreciate this initiative. It directly supports the implementation of our Local Economic Development Strategy, which we reviewed and adopted in October 2023,” he said.
“I’m particularly pleased that this company is using technology in such an innovative way to drive development.”
The Isiqalo Youth Fund Programme is a cornerstone of the provincial government’s plan to create sustainable business opportunities for young people, particularly those who lack access to capital and infrastructure.
Community Impact
This milestone handover is expected to inspire other youth-led businesses in the region. Sidziya encouraged young entrepreneurs to take part in SMME and cooperative development workshops hosted by the municipality, describing them as vital platforms for learning and funding access.
“These workshops provide essential knowledge and open doors for support,” Sidziya added.
The Mbhashe Local Municipality hopes the success of Nawiz Logistics Solutions will showcase the potential of targeted local investment and youth-driven innovation.
