The Alfred Duma Local Municipality, led by His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Zama Sibisi, in collaboration with the municipal Local Economic Development department, handed over tools to small businesses, including various co-ops and community members, as the leadership visited various wards.
The 2-day program conducted by the Mayor, Cllr Zama Sibisi, Deputy Mayor, Cllr Sizwe Simelane, and Speaker, Cllr Bhekinkosi Sithole, began on Thursday, July 11, and ended on Friday, July 12, 2024. It was dedicated to delivering services to the community, especially the local SMMEs. The municipality handed over tools inclusive of fencing wires and poles, agricultural sprayers, weedkillers, grass-cutting machines, rakes, spades, sewing machines, poultry equipment, fertilizers, water tankers, gazebos, various seeds, and catering equipment (i.e., stoves and pot sets) for water tanks.
During the visits, the beneficiaries were urged to use these tools profitably, as there is a shortage of job opportunities in our municipality. These tools may improve their lives if used in a profitable manner and looked after.
The first handover took place on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Wards 35, 34, 32, 37, 29, 28, 30,
The second handover took place on Friday, July 12, 2024, at various wards: 23, 16, 14, 15, 17, 7, 27, 24.
During the visit, leadership stressed the importance of giving communities the opportunity to develop their small businesses. The LED program initiative is planned to encourage the community to work with the resources available to make a living. The little we have, we can make the most of it. The municipality will continue to engage relevant departments like Agriculture and EDTEA to assist us further in order to support all the communities under the municipality to uplift and empower the SMMEs.” The community was also advised that the donations handed out these 2 days were dictated by the budget; therefore, we urge those who did not receive them to bear with us and continue to send their requests to ward committees and councilors. Hopefully, in the next budget, they might be in luck as this program is planned to be continuous for every financial year.
The beneficiaries extended gratitude to the municipality as they thanked them for these gifts. “In our history, it was the first time we received such service from the municipality, and we appreciate it.”
The municipality encourages community upliftment through cooperatives, small businesses, and various community-building initiatives. The local economic development section is always available to assist if and where possible.