The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE), in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, has officially rolled out its High Impact Partnership and Job Creation Initiative to support 28 local small businesses on Monday, 16 June 2026.
The economic development programme targets young township entrepreneurs by providing them with essential spaza shop stock, commercial equipment, and formal business training designed to sustain and scale their operations.
Among the beneficiaries selected for the initiative are local business owners Amanda Mthembu of Kamanda Tuck Shop and Thulane Mabena of Kgali Kgali Sweets, both operating out of Kwa-Thema. Samkelo Mazibuko, an entrepreneur from Duduza, was also named as a recipient of the support package during an official engagement today.
According to the Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza , the initiative reflects the City of Ekurhuleni’s broader strategy focused heavily on youth empowerment and reducing unemployment.
By equipping young business owners with physical assets and foundational corporate training, the local government aims to foster long-term entrepreneurship and stimulate job creation within township economies.
The rolled-out resources are expected to immediately strengthen the daily trading capacities of the beneficiary spaza shops and small enterprises, providing a direct boost to the local economy.
