HATRED and jealousy hinder black entrepreneurs from prospering, and the sooner this challenge is tackled head-on, the better.
Mtubatuba Mayor Velangenkosi Gumede did not mince his words when addressing thousands of community members during a local economic development programme at Inkosi Mzondeni Hall last week.
At the event he handed over tents, chairs, mobile toilets and cold rooms to 40 co-operatives from 20 Wards in the Mtubatuba Municipality.
‘Too often we see communities coming together to start a business, but before the end of the first year the business collapses because of hatred and jealousy among the parties involved.
‘This is what prevents black entrepreneurs from stepping up to the next level,’ Gumede said.
The mayor said his municipality was focused on encouraging communities to start their own businesses as a means to absorb the high number of unemployed people in the area.
‘As we speak, the youth unemployment rate is sitting at 40 percent and the only option to address that is to equip small businesses with resources and training to ensure that they create jobs.
‘This is the beginning. We received thousands of applications from co-operatives and those who did not receive anything today will soon get what they asked for,’ he said.
He added that the head of local economic development, Mondli Funeka, will be visiting the co-operative to provide them with training and financial management.
‘We will be doing this to ensure that these businesses are run professionally and are sustainable. He will also assist in solving disputes,’ said Gumede.
Ithembelisha Women’s Club leader Sindi Zulu was one of the beneficiaries.
She said they started a funeral scheme, but have been battling to assist all their members owing to shortages of resources.
‘We are very excited as a club that today the municipality provided us with a tent, chairs and a gas stove. This will help us a lot in providing services to our members,’ said Zulu.
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