In line with the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism’s (DEDEAT) transformative mandate to foster inclusive economic growth, create jobs, reduce poverty, and address the rising cost of living, the MEC, Hon. Nonkqubela Pieters, has taken another significant step forward in support of local enterprises. Today, MEC Pieters handed over equipment, machinery, and stock worth R2.9 million to EC Woodwork and Enterprises, a business specialising in custom traditional woodwork. These include a truck, generator, machinery and raw material.
This initiative underscores the department’s commitment to supporting Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and promoting industrial activity, particularly in areas outside the metros. “The 7th administration has placed a strong emphasis on the development of small businesses and industrial parks. This handover fulfils two critical objectives: supporting MSMEs in non-metro areas and ensuring that our industrial parks are vibrant hubs of activity,” said MEC Pieters.
In delivering her policy address, MEC Pieters emphasised the department’s vision of a thriving province underpinned by a “healthy ecosystem of businesses and communities, from to rural and township areas.” Today’s handover is a clear demonstration of that vision in action.
Mr Wezo Hanise, the owner of the business, expressed gratitude to the department for its support, adding that through the fund from the Local and Regional Economic Development Programme (LRED), he received everything he needed to improve his business operations.
Significant investment is being made in state-owned industrial parks, with millions of rands earmarked for their support during this financial year. Notably, in Komani Industrial Park, through DEDEAT’s entity, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), and in collaboration with the Chris Hani Development Agency (CHDA), a memorandum of intent was signed with Evergrow. This investor, specialising in fertilizers, is set to establish a fertilizer blending plant with a production capacity of 57,600 tons per annum, marking a key activation for the agricultural sector in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality.
Further, through the Provincial Economic Stimulus Fund, the CHDA has received co-funding, alongside contributions from the National Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), to drive agri-industrialisation and support fresh produce farmers through Aggregation Farm Units.
The department offers various funding instruments, including the Local and Regional Economic Development (LRED) Programme, which supported EC Woodwork and Enterprises, as well as the Small Towns, Rural and Township Enterprise Support Programme (STTREP), and the Imvaba Cooperatives Fund, among others.
MEC Pieters emphasised that the department is “working tirelessly to ensure that LRED functions more effectively for the people, particularly in rural areas and small towns.” The fund supports Eastern Cape-based entities committed to stimulating economic growth and fostering sustainable job creation across the province.
EC Woodwork and Enterprises, based in the Ezibeleni Industrial Park in Ezibeleni, specializes in custom traditional woodwork, including shop fitting, wall paneling, custom cabinets, timber molding and flooring, decking materials, and more. Serving homebuilders, property owners, government institutions, and general contractors, the business operates across Queenstown, Engcobo, Cofimvaba, Cala, Lady Frere, and the Joe Gqabi District. The enterprise currently employs 10 people and 5 learners, and with support from DEDEAT’s LRED, it will employ 6 more.
The department remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering inclusive economic development, stimulating industrial activity, and empowering local businesses to thrive.
