Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, is set to kick off a comprehensive service delivery initiative in the Eastern Cape, beginning with a Ministerial imbizo and equipment handover in the Alfred Nzo District Municipality on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
The Ministerial Imbizo, expected to draw over 1000 attendees from across the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, aims to foster stronger partnerships and promote dialogue between the Small Business Development Department and its stakeholders. Attendees will include traditional leaders, local and provincial government representatives, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs), informal traders, and members of the public, focusing on issues pertaining to small business development in the region.
Following the imbizo, Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams will oversee the distribution of machinery and business equipment to informal traders as part of the department’s Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme (IMEDP). The IMEDP, a 100% grant initiative, seeks to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of informal and micro enterprises, particularly those owned by women, youth, and people with disabilities in townships and rural areas.
The Minister’s schedule for the Eastern Cape programme is as follows:
Tuesday, April 30, 2024:
– Ministerial Imbizo and handover of business tools and equipment to 214 informal traders.
– Time: 9:00
– Venue: Ntabankulu Multi-Purpose Community Centre
– Business Dinner with Young People in Maclear, ELundini Local Municipality.
– Time: 18:00
– Venue: Maclear, Elundini Local Municipality
Wednesday, May 1, 2024:
– Delivery of business tools and equipment to 59 beneficiaries in Elundini Local Municipality as part of IMEDP.
– Time: 10:00
– Venue: Maclear, Elundini Local Municipality
Thursday, May 2, 2024:
– Participation in a Jobs Fair programme in Mount Frere alongside the Minister of Employment and Labour.
– Time: 9:00
– Venue: Mount Frere
Sunday, May 5, 2024:
– Attendance at a church service at the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in Mthatha, using the occasion to outline the services offered by the Ministry.
– Time: 11:00
– Venue: Methodist Church, Mthatha
Monday, May 6, 2024:
– Participation in the Mayoral Breakfast with ratepayers, business sector representatives, and professionals.
– Time: 8:00
– Venue: Sakhiwe Local Municipality
Members of the media are encouraged to confirm their attendance by contacting Cornelius Monama (082 578 4063) and Mr. Noko Manyelo (071 265 8611).
