Telecentre to open up world of opportunities
Businesses in the townships surrounding Hammarsdale now have access to internet.
IN a bid to respond to the challenges faced by small businesses in rural and township areas, the eThekwini Municipality in partnership with the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services, launched a Telecentre in Hammarsdale last Friday.
This development followed numerous complaints from young business owners who voiced their dissatisfaction with government’s handling of issues pertaining to small businesses. At the Business Seminar held last year, small businesses highlighted the lack of access to services as a stumbling block to their ability to compete globally.
Deputy Mayor, Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala, said, “We are very excited about the launch of the Telecentre. This confirms the Municipality’s commitment to providing comprehensive business support to disadvantaged small businesses which will assist them with sustainability and growth.
“Our reason for partnering with the Department of Telecommunication and Postal Services is to ensure that emerging businesses, mainly in rural and township areas, are equipped with modern technology to improve their business markets and contribute in job creation and the country’s economy.”
The launch was held alongside the Business Indaba, which was addressed by the Telecommunication and Postal Services Minister, Dr Siyabonga Cwele. The Business Indaba was aimed at empowering businesses on the role of information, communication and technology (ICT) in developing and marketing their businesses.
Shabalala added that the Telecentre and internet cafe would boost entrepreneurs businesses because they will now be able to collect and submit tender documents with ease. “This initiative is one of our interventions to achieve the local government’s constitutional mandate of promoting economic development,” she said.
