District rolls out free wifi to boost entrepreneurs
A two-day Economic Symposium was held for small enterprises at Unizulu in Richards Bay.
FREE Wi-Fi hotspots will be established around uThungulu District to help struggling small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
This was disclosed at the uThungulu District Economic Development Symposium and Small Micro, Medium Enterprises (SMME) Fair held at the University of Zululand City Campus in Richards Bay on Friday and Saturday.
City Mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo said they are currently finalising the strategy to implement open internet access and launch ‘one-stop shops’ across the region.
‘This will incubate entrepreneurs with our mandate to assist them to be able to understand the technical parts of business.
‘The detailed plans will be unfolded in the next three months.’
Tourism, culture and heritage as well as the manufacturing and industrialization sectors were also identified as productive drivers and major contributors towards the economic growth and development of the district.
Mhlongo told local business leaders a solid partnership with cooperates will be vital to attain a healthy local economy, while unemployment, poverty, low level of skilled and literal people are the city’s biggest challenges.
‘Partnership with uMfolozi TVET College could address the skills shortage and support economic growth,’ said Mhlongo.
‘The Deputy Minister of Higher Education recently launched a campaign called ‘decade of the artisan’.
‘We trust it would also promote entrepreneurial willingness for emerging artisans.’
Organiser of the event, uThungulu District Economic Development Senior Manager, Njabulo Nzuza, said the symposium was a crucial platform to render resolutions that will help spark economic growth.
‘As municipalities, assisting our SMMEs is a constitutional responsibility,’ said Nzuza.
‘The Global Entrepreneurial Monitor shows us that SMMEs create more than 50% of all employment opportunities in South Africa while they contribute more than 45% of the country’s gross domestic product.
‘This then tells us that for the district economy to grow we must pay attention to SMME development.’
PHOTO: Wellington Makwakwa
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