Small business owners presented their businesses to the CEO of Idwala Carbonates, Khonzeka Sibindi, the mayor of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Zodwa Mzindl, and other stakeholders at the Singatha Incubator, TVET College Port Shepstone Campus in Oslo Beach last Thursday.
They presented what they had done in the past with funding they had received, also shared their success stories, and were given an opportunity to make further requests.
The business development officer at Singatha Incubator, Mdu Cele, said small businesses require funding because of their potential for future growth.
“We also see the immense potential of businesses which operate in the rural areas.”
Mzindle thanked private companies for assisting the small business.
“We also encourage you all not only to seek funding from the municipality but to go out and partner with others to expand your businesses.”
Some of the business owners showed photographs of the containers which were provided to them by Idwala, RNM and the private sector.
Among these businesses are farmers, plastic recyclers, fast foods and bakeries.
Sibindi said it was important to remember where they started with the project.
“It was not easy; it is also very crucial for Idwala that you make a success of these businesses. If nothing successful comes out from this project, it puts Idwala at risk of a loss.”
Sibindi also added that initially, it was a struggle to get approval from the Department of Minerals and Energy for these small businesses to benefit.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
