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Today, through an integrated approach involving myself and MEC for Health Nomagugu Simelane we are stimulating the rural economy and accelerating the provision of quality healthcare in Phongolo Local Municipality.

We have been joined by Ward 02 Councillor Sbu Mhlongo and local leadership. They remain the bridge between us and the community.

In particular, more than R 3, 7 million worth of cheques and business equipment have been handed over to 101 successful entrepreneurs who applied through Operation Vula Fund, Tier 1.

In addition more than R15, 4 million has also been handed over to entrepreneurs whose businesses were destroyed by devastating floods. Applications for Flood Relief Funding were managed by our entity Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal.

We handed over brand-new equipment to emerging entrepreneurs who are involved in construction, farming, catering, entertainment, carwash, saloon, bakery and clothing and textiles to name but a few. 

This is in line with our determination to drive rural economic activity at a very basic community level.

Entrepreneurs have testified that following this intervention, they will be able to support their families and create much needed jobs in the community.

There many people who were  retrenched as a result of COVID-19. 

With floods and global economic crisis there are many individuals who are condemned to rural areas and the townships with no means of survival. 

This government is their only hope.

It is for these reasons, Board members, Head of Department, Chief Executive Officers of entities and all categories of staff from the department and entities are here onsite.

We are decisively addressing  socio-economic conditions which are punctuated by rising fuel and food prices.

Issued by MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Siboniso Duma