A total of 40 small businesses under Umdoni Municipality recently received business equipment through the Municipal Employment Initiative (MEI).
The equipment was jointly handed over by the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea), Musa Zondi, and Umdoni Municipality mayor, Mbali Cele-Luthuli, at a recent handover ceremony in Umdoni.
According to mayor Cele-Luthuli, the two million rand Umdoni Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperative support MEI project, which was jointly funded by (Edtea) and Umdoni Municipality, has provided qualifying enterprises with equipment to strengthen their operations, improve productivity and unlock opportunities for business growth and job creation.
Cele-Luthuli said the beneficiaries were selected from 104 applications received during the application process.
Following desktop assessments and verification site visits, said Cele-Luthuli 40 enterprises were approved for support.
“The supported businesses operate across key sectors including agriculture, hospitality, audio-visual and entertainment, manufacturing and services, with equipment provided according to their individual business needs,” she said.
She added that the programme placed a strong emphasis on inclusive economic empowerment, with 25 women and 19 young beneficiaries that included 10 young women.
Cele-Luthuli welcomed the handover, describing the initiative as a meaningful investment in the entrepreneurial potential of Umdoni’s communities.
“Today is a proud moment for Umdoni as we see government’s commitment in empowering our local entrepreneurs translated into tangible support. This equipment is not simply an asset, it is a tool that can help businesses grow, create employment and build sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
She added that they appreciate their partnership with the Department of Edtea and the leadership of MEC Zondi, in ensuring that entrepreneurs receive the support they need.
“We are particularly proud that women and young people are among the beneficiaries. Their success will be a success for our communities and for Umdoni as a whole. Beneficiaries have been encouraged to use the equipment responsibly, maintain compliance with relevant business requirements, continuously develop their skills and embrace technology, artificial intelligence and social media to grow their businesses and reach new markets,” she said.
