Entrepreneurs must benefit from CRDP Projects – MEC Phosa

The Department will work closely with municipalities to identify further economic opportunities that can assist in responding to the challenges of unemployment, poverty and under development.

Speaking at the premises of Siyabuswa Industrial Park which are owned by Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA), MEC Pinky Phosa said, “Although government has provided the much needed infrastructure through the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP), the challenges of poverty and unemployment remain big in Mpumalanga.

“We will be assisting all the municipalities in the Province with training and registering co-operatives so that they will be able to benefit from the CRDP, as well as assisting municipalities on their Local Economic Development Strategies that will contribute towards job creation in the municipalities.

I am appealing to departmental agencies to assist entrepreneurs who have been turned down by the banks in their applications for loans to expand their businesses,” said MEC Phosa.

MEC Phosa’s sentiments were echoed by the representative of the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA), Lazarus Mahlangu, who stressed that MEGA is the catalyst of job creation and funding of businesses, “We will continue to play a meaningful role in assisting entrepreneurs who want to start or expand their businesses. We have partnered with municipalities in their quest to create job opportunities for the people of Mpumalanga.”

“So far, we have leased almost all the properties owned by MEGA to entrepreneurs around Siyabuswa, and they continue to work towards a common goal of job creation. This has motivated entrepreneurs to continue to create jobs and this is what we believe in,” concluded Mahlangu.

Mr Msilane, an entrepreneur who manufactures steel gates, has employed three people on a permanent basis, and could not hide his excitement. He said that government was assisting them to get access to finance and marketing their products and this contributes to the success of their business.

“Government has created a conducive environment for us as business people, and I am very grateful to the Mpumalanga government led by Premier David Mabuza,” concluded Mr Msilane.