Eastern Cape entrepreneur Siphosethu Mtshali used to spend hours washing her customers’ clothes with her bare hands – but a recent awarding of a laundry machine by the Department of Small Business Development will help put that hard task behind her.
Mtshali received a top loader washing machine to expand her laundry services as part of the Ministerial Small Business Clinic.
The programme, held in Bufallo City recently includes the handover of productive assets under the Business Infrastructure Support Programme (BISP), the Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme (IMEDP) and the Asset Assist Programme.
The programme is part of an investment of R1.38 million supported 86 beneficiaries under IMEDP, while 21 entrepreneurs received support worth R4.4 million through Asset Assist, including equipment, machinery and symbolic cheques.
Mtshali said her job will now be easier.
VW Esona Sihlobo 66 Company received equipment worth R248,400, including cutting and edging machinery for cupboard manufacturing.
Lolitha Phumlomo of Branding Queen Designs, received a twin ray machine, vinyl cutter and laminator worth R140,000 to reduce outsourcing and expand printing capacity.
Kuisine Trading, owned by Loyiso Steven Kuno, received a delivery truck worth R250,000 to expand catering deliveries.
“I studied for a professional chef qualification in 2019 and have been building this business since then. This support will help us grow and improve operations,” Kuno said.
Vuyo Chokonda of Mbami Holdings received agricultural machinery, a borehole and livestock support valued at R200,000.
Buffalo City Executive Mayor Princess Faku said the programme has the potential to transform local entrepreneurship.
“The programmes have the potential to fundamentally change how our people do business,” she said.
Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni Abrahams said the government remains committed to supporting small businesses as drivers of inclusive growth and job creation.
“The clinic integrates key departmental priorities, including strengthening township and rural economies, improving access to finance and supporting business development services,” she said.
Entrepreneurs will also access workshops and funding opportunities through initiatives such as the Construction Fund, Women’s Fund, Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme, Spaza Shop Support Fund and other departmental support instruments.
Under BISP, Mbalelanga Trading Enterprise received a Caterpillar (CAT) excavator to strengthen its operations.
The company provides plant hire services, including graders, TLBs and trucks, and employs 18 people, most of whom are from the local community. Its work supports both the construction and mining sectors.
Officials said the programme supports business growth, local economic development and job creation.
