GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) on 6 July donated equipment and resources worth R608 000 to a large number of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) based in the district.
Programme director and executive manager for Planning and Economic Development Lusanda Menze said the initiative forms part of the municipality's economic recovery plan and growth and development strategy.
“We would like to create economic opportunities and this initiative is another step in that direction,” he said.
He said the devastation caused by Covid-19 among smaller businesses has been enormous and SMMEs are being supported as they are key drivers of sustainable job creation and remain one of the municipality's priority focus areas so as to boost the district economy.
The beneficiaries include Sharlebel, South Cape Funeral Home, Camagwini Services, Elsie's Handmade Products, Massimo Leather Crafts (PTY) Ltd, Artsmart, BTL Sewing, Debongs Café, Eden Event Management, Mange & Mtsolos Project, Sew Happy Primary Co-op, Ouma Barbie se Stoepkombuis, Max 21st Century Projects, Candidas Event Management, Creamillion General Trading, Figree Joy, George Backpackers, Gwaing Trading Enterprise and Kairos Foods & Services.
The official handover took place virtually. During the event, GRDM Mayor Memory Booysen said the private sector remains bigger than government. "You as SMMEs play a massive role in driving our economy and creating jobs. Our job as government is to create an environment where you can thrive. Hence we continue to embark on these programmes year after year."
Booysen said that successful economies have a strong small business sector. "I don't want anyone to lose hope - start small, you have to start somewhere. Sometimes we think we need to start big, but that is not important, rather think big and do what needs to be done to get to that goal."
One of the beneficiaries, Fundi Tonisi of Creamillion General Trading, said businesses are going through traumatic and difficult times, but that they should keep looking ahead and focus on their goals. "Many of us need capital, be it financial, equipment or land, so thank you, GRDM for prioritising us."
Neil Moos, owner of Ouma Barbie se Stoepkombuis, said the Covid-19 pandemic has changed many people's financial status and he thanked the municipality for seeing the potential in the beneficiaries selected. Moos said within each person lies the seed of unlimited possibilities and that it should be embraced.
The evaluation and adjudication process of the most eligible beneficiaries was done by various role players, including the Department of Agriculture, provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism (Dedat), Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), local economic development managers of local municipalities and the Garden Route Development Partnership. The procurement of the capital items was done by Casidra, George Office.
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