They received different working tools such as; double door fridges, gas stoves, sewing machines and chafing dishes just to name but a few.
Although the occasion was filled with joy and hope, it took three years for the businesses to receive their equipment.
Mathale expressed his disappointment over the distribution process for taking so long to deliver the working material to the small business owners.
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“Three years to receive a fridge, is not right, if Nelson Mandela heard of such a thing he would not rest in peace. I’m sure that there is some of the people who applied who have already passed away,” Mathale explained.
About 263 people within the district applied for the working materials of which 210 were successfully verified.
Eighty were women and 130 were men,17 were female youth and 13 male youth.
Some of the criteria that was considered in order to qualify for the items included a preferance towards black unregistered businesses those with an income of under R200 000 a year.
The event was also honoured by Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET); Mayor of Greater Tzaneen, Maripe Mangena; Member of Parliament, Kate Bilankulu and other stakeholders.
Maseje Nchabeleng, SEDA Mopani Branch Manager, encouraged the business people to take good care of their equipment and that a new date for applications of working equipment will soon be announced.
She also encouraged them to register their businesses with CIPRO and LEDET and that they can still apply for more working equipment.
