The Matlosana Recreation Centre was a hub of hope and economic renewal on Tuesday, 01 September 2026, as the City of Matlosana Local Municipality, alongside the Department of Small Business Development and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency, officially handed over vital machinery and equipment to 57 local traders.
This significant milestone under the Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme marks a aggressive push to stimulate sustainable economic growth and build operational capacity among the region’s smallest businesses.
Highlighting the initiative’s dedication to broad-based inclusion, nine of the selected beneficiaries are persons living with disabilities, ensuring that the path to financial self-reliance and entrepreneurship is open to all members of society.
This successful distribution serves as the practical outcome of a dedicated journey that kicked off with a comprehensive development workshop on 19 November 2025.
By bridging the gap between training and physical resources, the tripartite partnership among the municipal Local Economic Development unit, the state department, and the finance agency has turned policy into real-world progress. The provided equipment is expected to instantly upgrade daily operations for the informal traders, giving them the tools necessary to expand their market reach, secure sustainable livelihoods, and contribute directly to the local GDP.
Welcoming attendees on behalf of the City, Tebogo Ramone, Assistant Director for Local Economic Development, Marketing, and Tourism, praised the collaborative effort and warmly congratulated the business owners.
She noted that true local economic development must transcend classroom sessions and workshops to deliver concrete, life-changing opportunities within the community.
Ramone reinforced the local impact of the initiative, stating that when government supports local businesses, it directly supports families, strengthens neighbourhoods, and grows the economy of Matlosana.
“When we support local businesses, we support families, strengthen our communities and grow the economy of Matlosana.”
Emmanuel Moshoeshoe, the Acting Director of the DSBD, explained that the Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme provides essential business equipment to small and informal ventures.
By supplying tools and machinery, this initiative aims to help entrepreneurs boost their output, deliver higher-quality goods and services, and achieve long-term business growth.
Delivering the keynote address, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Local Economic Development, Councillor Wesley Kgang, described the handover as a strategic investment in the people and future economy of Matlosana rather than a simple distribution of assets.
He emphasized that small-business development is an important economic intervention to strengthen households and communities, stating that the City’s vision is to help local businesses move from survival to sustainability, and ultimately to growth.
Beneficiaries were urged to view the new equipment as a long-term investment. Councillor Kgang encouraged them to utilize these assets productively to increase production, elevate the quality of their goods and services, reach new customers, and build sustainable enterprises capable of creating employment.
The municipality acknowledged that the success of the initiative extends far beyond the initial handover event. To ensure long-term impact, the City committed to ongoing monitoring, mentorship, and business-development support to evaluate whether the beneficiaries successfully expand their operations, improve their income, and access new markets.
In closing, the City of Matlosana expressed its appreciation to both DSBD and SEDFA for their continued investment in local entrepreneurs and noted the importance of strengthening these partnerships for future SMME development.
Kedibone Nchwe from SEDFA also thanked all stakeholders and the DSBD for their contributions, offering a final word of encouragement to the 57 beneficiaries to use their new machinery responsibly to strengthen and scale their businesses.
“She encouraged the 57 beneficiaries to use the machinery and equipment responsibly to strengthen and grow their businesses.
“She further emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between government and its partners in supporting informal and micro-enterprises, promoting sustainable businesses and contributing to local economic development and job creation in Matlosana.”
