KZN government hands R19m to flood-hit SMMEs
In an effort to revive businesses affected by recent floods, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) has distributed R15.4 million in relief funding in the Zululand District.
EDTEA MEC Siboniso Duma said the funding was part of government giving people hope, following the devastation which threatened not only their livelihoods but that of the many people they employed and their families.
He presented the funds alongside Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane at an event to accelerate the provision of quality healthcare in Phongolo Local Municipality.
Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) Interim Board Chair Khanyisani Shandu, said the handover followed methodical adjudication by TIKZN in administering the EDTEA Flood Relief Fund. Congratulating the recipients, he said it was small and medium enterprises like theirs, which drove rural economic development.
Last year Duma also visited businesses impacted by the April/May 2022 and February 2023 floods.
In the wake of the floods, the Department, through TIKZN, launched the Flood Relief Business Support Fund.
The Department in a statement said R3.7 million worth of cheques and business equipment have been handed over to 101 successful entrepreneurs who applied through Operation Vula Fund.
“In addition, more than R15, 4 million has also been handed over to entrepreneurs whose businesses were destroyed by the devastating floods. Applications for Flood Relief Funding were managed by our entity TIKZN,” it said.
EDTEA at the ceremony also 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,” reads the statement.
The Department said, with floods and global economic crisis there are many individuals who are condemned to rural areas and the townships with no means of survival.
“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 socioeconomic conditions which are punctuated by rising fuel and food prices.”