Kouga – The local economy of Kouga Local Municipality received a significant boost as training certificates were awarded to nine Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). They successfully completed the Global Market Access Training programme last year.
This initiative is part of the Local Economic Development and Tourism section’s strategic approach to fostering inclusive economic growth. By prioritising sustainable development, this effort aims to alleviate existing poverty and inequality, while reinforcing a long-term commitment to economic expansion through ongoing implementation programmes.
The Fishing Co-ops
The beneficiaries, including Uniko Raw Honey, Pabala Pure Honey, Gamtoos Valley Agriculture, Be Original, Clarkson Heuningbos, Sibanye Knitters, Sarah Baartman Primary Fishing Co-op, Elinye Fishing Co-op, and Siyaphambili Fishing Primary Co-op, were awarded their certificates at a special event last week.
In addition to the SMMEs, ten residents also benefited from basic firefighting, first-aid, and occupational health and safety courses.
Bernadette Swartz, owner of Be Original, expressed her gratitude for the professional and holistic approach of the course. “The facilitator was very knowledgeable, and we were able to ask questions and have them answered. Mentoring was a significant part of the training, providing feedback on product quality and improvement systems,” she said.
Practical Components
Swartz emphasised the importance of practical components and suggested partnerships with experienced businesses in exports and global trading.
Donovan Perils, speaking on behalf of other training beneficiaries, appreciated the knowledge gained in dealing with life-threatening situations. “Although it was called a basic course, we learned a lot. Thank you to the LED office for this opportunity,” he said.
Linda Lubengu from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) highlighted their goal of creating a conducive environment for SMMEs to thrive locally and internationally. She explained that the Global Market Access Training aims to make SMMEs competitive on an international scale.
“The training is two-fold: developing companies to be competitive and preparing them for international trade,” Lubengu said.
She stressed the importance of e-commerce and social media for attracting international customers.
Increased Production
Lubengu also noted that trading internationally requires additional resources and capacity. “Once you get an international order, you must be able to service it and increase production. The training prepares companies to be export-ready,” she added. Lubengu emphasised the community benefits of increased production, including job creation and poverty alleviation.
Noxolo Adams from the Sarah Baartman District Municipality congratulated the training beneficiaries and the municipality’s Local Economic Development team. She outlined the district municipality’s role in supporting local economic development and funding viable businesses, particularly in the oceans economy, construction, and tourism sectors.
Training Certificates Were Awarded
Adams mentioned an ongoing initiative with the NEF to fund SMMEs needing R1 million and above, encouraging business plan submissions.
In her keynote statement, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Local Economic Development, Lorraine Maree, praised the training beneficiaries for their bravery in starting businesses. “Having the training certificate serves as a stepping stone,” she said.
This initiative marks a significant step towards empowering local businesses and fostering economic growth in Kouga Municipality.
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