New equipment paves way forward

A FLEET of brand-new heavy equipment has been procured by two local SMMES to fix and expand the City of uMhlathuze’s road network.

Plant worth R12-million, comprising two Bell Equipment graders, four Bell TLBs and three Bomag rollers, was handed over to the 100% black-owned enterprises iHophe Structured Fleet Solutions and Sumunye Fleet Management in front of the Civic Centre on Tuesday.

The SMMEs were awarded tenders by the City Municipality to break ground on multiple projects in the pipeline, including the construction of the eSikhaleni intersection, budgeted at R18-million and tarring of Mandlanzini’s main road (R15-million).

iHophe Director Ayanda Ngidi said it is encouraging to see the municipality supporting the small business sector.

‘Thank you to the City for having faith in our small businesses and please continue to support SMMEs,’ said Ngidi.

Simunye General Manager Balefilwe Raphala said he looks forward to this venture opening the door to many more opportunities that will create employment in the region.

The SMMEs together have a total staff count of 15 employees.

Uplifting locals

Speaking at the handover event, City Mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo said the arrangement is evidence of the municipality’s dedication to empower Zululand’s smaller business players and upgrade infrastructure in townships.

‘This proves we are not just making up stories when we say we will address difficulties faced by citizens in rural areas and develop local SMMEs, particularly those owned by youth members or established by the previously disadvantaged.

‘The assembling of the plant has also been done at Bell Equipment in Richards Bay, creating local employment.

‘It gives us great pride to have a world-class heavy equipment manufacturer based in our city.’

Bell Equipment CEO Gary Bell emphasised the importance of more municipalities supporting local companies and products.

‘A lot of municipalities go with low cost options, importing machines from the East, but whereas our equipment is taken care of for between 12 and 15 years by our dedicated team, products from the East often get less than a year of support from the manufacturer.

‘In our minds, you have made the right choice – not just from a manufacturing point of view, but also by supporting our local SMMEs.’