Ithala and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism take economic empowerment to Nkandla
Ithala and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism last week hosted an Economic Development Summit at Nkandla. The summit sought to introduce the local community to economic empowerment initiatives offered by Ithala.
Speaking at the summit, the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Michael Mabuyakhulu urged the locals to become entrepreneurs. He said Ithala had programs in place to assist Co-operatives and SMMEs in various sectors. “This is your bank, if you have a business idea, come forward and Ithala will help make that idea a reality,” he said.
Mabuyakhulu also applauded Ithala for establishing the Ntingwe Tea estate, a world class tea producer in the Nkandla area. The estate which exports tea to European countries has created many employment opportunities in this remote area of the Province.
Acting Group Chief Executive Siphiwe Madondo said Ithala prided itself on bringing economic opportunities to rural and township areas. “Our 22 shopping centres and industrial estates have brought retail facilities and job opportunities closer to the people. We have also assisted hundreds of SMMEs and Co-operatives in the province and we would welcome an opportunity to assist entrepreneurs from Inkandla,” he said.
The MEC was later joined by local Councillors at a tree planting ceremony at the local community centre in support of mitigating the effects of climate change