Story: Nikilitha Burns
The Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, in collaboration with Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, hosted a Spaza Shop Funding and SMME Support Engagement Session at the Chris Hani Co-operative Development Center.
The session brought together community members, particularly military veterans and elderly residents, to access information on funding opportunities and support programmes aimed at strengthening small businesses.
Speaking at the event, Thembeka Bunu, Portfolio Head for Infrastructure Planning and Economic Development (IPED) at Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, said the municipality’s primary aim is to support local business owners with relevant and accessible information.
She emphasised that particular focus is being placed on spaza shop owners, who play a critical role in township and rural economies. Bunu encouraged all local business owners across South Africa to come forward and engage with the municipality.
She added that the municipality is committed to assisting entrepreneurs by providing the necessary guidance and information needed to access available opportunities and grow their businesses. Officials at the engagement reiterated the importance of empowering small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) as a way to stimulate economic development and create sustainable livelihoods within local communities.
