Eastern Cape transport company expands into African markets

An Eastern Cape transport business has expanded into several African markets after receiving support from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC).

Chumile Transport Services, founded by entrepreneur Violet Thotoane Lupuwana, now operates a fleet of more than 60 vehicles and provides transport and logistics services across South Africa and beyond.

What happened?

Chumile Transport Services started as a small taxi operation before growing into a transport and logistics company serving corporate and tourism clients.

Today the company provides several services including:

• Staff transport and shuttle services
• Transport for schools, universities and hotels
• Airport transfers and tourism travel
• Trucking and logistics services for goods transport

According to the ECDC, the company’s growth has been supported through its Exporter Development Programme, which helps local businesses prepare for international markets.

Through the programme, Chumile Transport Services received support that included branding assistance, market exposure and participation in international trade missions.

As a result, the company gained insights into export requirements, global trade practices and international competitiveness.

Why it matters

Many small businesses in the Eastern Cape struggle to access international markets.

However, development programmes such as those run by the ECDC aim to support local companies with export training, market access and exposure to international buyers.

For Chumile Transport Services, this support helped the company expand beyond South Africa.

The business now operates in several African markets including:

• Nigeria
• Ghana
• Namibia
• Kenya

This growth not only strengthens the company’s position but also contributes to job creation and economic opportunities in the Eastern Cape.

What you need to know

Key detail	Information
Business	Chumile Transport Services
Founder	Violet Thotoane Lupuwana
Fleet size	More than 60 vehicles
Support programme	ECDC Exporter Development Programme
New markets	Nigeria, Ghana, Namibia and Kenya

Programmes such as the ECDC trade support initiative aim to help Eastern Cape businesses improve their competitiveness and reach new markets across Africa and beyond.

What you should do next

Eastern Cape entrepreneurs who want to expand their businesses internationally can explore support programmes offered by the ECDC.

Steps businesses can take include:

1. Review available export and trade support programmes.
2. Attend export training or information sessions.
3. Prepare business documentation and export plans.
4. Apply for available market access or development support.

These programmes are designed to help local businesses prepare products and services for international markets.

Where to get help

Businesses can learn more about available trade and export support through the official ECDC website.