In a significant stride towards fostering youth empowerment and economic growth, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube presided over the official opening of Nomakhrestu Trading, a woman-owned tyre repairing and balancing enterprise situated in Mbumbulu. This ground-breaking initiative, made possible through the collaborative efforts of Dunlop and the Provincial Government, marked a pivotal moment for the province's entrepreneurial landscape.
The event, which took place on Thursday, April 25, 2024, was a testament to the government's commitment to addressing the pressing issue of unemployment, particularly among the youth. Premier Dube-Ncube, speaking on behalf of the provincial government, emphasized the imperative of empowering young people and promoting local growth to mitigate the challenges of joblessness.
Acknowledging the strides made in the three decades since the dawn of democracy in South Africa, Premier Dube-Ncube highlighted the persistent issue of unemployment, especially prevalent among the youth. Despite some progress, the decline in unemployment rates was not as substantial as desired, necessitating collaborative efforts to tackle the challenge.
In response to this imperative, the government announced a ground-breaking partnership with Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Dunlop) to establish smart tyre fitment centres operated by small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperatives. These enterprises, fully owned by young people, aimed to catalyse local economic growth in the tyre industry while creating employment opportunities.
Premier Dube-Ncube outlined the vision for the project, envisioning these centres as dynamic hubs of economic activity within their localities. Beyond tyre-related services, the initiative sought to incorporate additional amenities such as ATMs, Shisanyama spots, hair salons, internet cafes, and even medical facilities, fostering a vibrant economic ecosystem.
The government's commitment to supporting entrepreneurship extended beyond the tyre industry, with various funding instruments available for different businesses, including the Zimele Traders Fund and Operation Vula Fund. Additionally, the recently launched Labour Activation Programme aimed to train, reskill, and place over 100,000 young people in jobs or assist them in starting their own businesses.
Recognizing the historical challenges of spatial economic planning that marginalized townships, Premier Dube-Ncube emphasized the importance of transforming these areas into economic hubs. The establishment of tyre fitment centres in townships aimed to address not only economic disparities but also alleviate the financial burden of commuting for residents.
The partnership with Dunlop South Africa represented a paradigm shift in youth empowerment initiatives, with a focus on practical support, skills development, mentorship, and market linkages. Each "Business in a Box" had the potential to create up to eight job opportunities, contributing to a total of 110 sustainable jobs across the province.
In conclusion, Premier Dube-Ncube hailed the partnership with Dunlop as a landmark achievement in youth empowerment, heralding a new era of collaboration between the government and the private sector to unlock opportunities for young entrepreneurs. With unwavering determination and innovative strategies, KwaZulu-Natal was poised to chart a path towards inclusive economic growth and prosperity for all its citizens.