Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane together with the Economic Development MEC Mxolisi Xayiya launched the Winterveld Enterprise Hub on Tuesday, 11 February 2014.

Township Enterprise Hubs form an integral part of Gauteng’s strategy to revitalise township economies, increase the skills profile for young people and forge sustainable partnerships for employment creation.

The Winterveld hub has an automotive focus and will provide on-site support small businesses specialising in tyre fitment and wheel alignment; panel beating; auto body repairs and spray painting; auto spares; general motor mechanic; car wash and valet services.

The hub will provide budding entrepreneurs in the area with the following:

• Training on the latest cutting edge technologies in the automotive sector
• Incubation, mentoring and skills transfer on technical and financial management and business acumen
• Shared services and facilities within the hub facility, which will also be made available for small businesses around the area.

Speaking at the launch, Premier Mokonyane said: “We come from a past where black enterprise was significantly stifled and suppressed; these hubs are a creative way of nurturing existing enterprises in our townships to ensure their success and contribution to our job creation drive.”

MEC Xayiya added: “The hubs are designed to provide economic relief to some of the most economically depressed areas of the province. This is an innovative way of revitalising township-based businesses. They provide a golden opportunity to formalise and expand existing automotive businesses in this area,” said MEC Xayiya.

Xayiya said the initiative would formalise township automotive businesses and enable young black entrepreneurs and women to participate in the automotive industry.

The Gauteng’s Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) CEO Barlow Manilal said that there is currently a discussion underway between the department and the automotive companies about obtaining motor manufacturer accreditation for the entrepreneurs operating in the hub.

“This is one way of providing an enabling environment for viable and sustainable small businesses which can make a direct impact on the economy. Global evidence suggests that both funding and incubation are crucial elements for small business success. These hubs are an integral part of our plans to foster mentorship and create partnerships for long-term business sustainability and job creation,” he said.

Township Enterprise Hubs compliment the department’s work in training young artisans to play a key role in furniture manufacturing, metal fabrication, jewellery manufacturing, tooling and foundry industries.

Approximately 3000 Winterveld residents attended the launch where 90 young people were awarded training certificates.

For more details and media enquiries please contact Ms. Phindile Kunene, Media Liaison Officer for the Department of Economic Development on 082 494 2409 or (011) 355 8443, email address Phindile.Kunene@gauteng.gov.za  

Issued by the Department of Economic Development www.ecodev.gpg.gov.za