Page 59 - KZN Top Business Portfolio 2021/22- eBook

agriculture, property, construction, manufacturing aimed at providing assistance for the start-up and
sectors. Renewable energy is an emerging sector that growth stages of entrepreneurs or SMMEs in the
is showing great promise. district, assisting them with access to technical and
business-related skills, necessary for the business
The District has seen the emergence of new economic growth process.
drivers in the information and communications tech-
nology sector, which creates further opportunities for The incubation project has the potential to enhance
inclusive growth and job creation. the viability of small businesses and strengthen local
economic development, including youth-focused
“We have an instrumental role in ensuring businesses projects that have the potential to reduce unemploy-
and citizens of iLembe have greater access to the ment in the iLembe District. “It is essentially the
opportunities presented by digital technologies, one-stop shop for all business-related information,
especially in a global economy that is becoming ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations
increasingly digital,” commented Mncube.
and facilitating access to funding for SMMEs within the
“We are mindful that we also have an instrumental district,” said Mncube.
role in ensuring businesses and citizens of iLembe Partnerships
have greater access to the opportunities presented by
all sectors, including tourism. We will, therefore, need Mncube said Enterprise iLembe is grateful to the
to find ways to grow the tourism sector in a manner various sector departments as well as the iLembe
that creates business and employment opportunities family of municipalities for the support received to
across the district with future projects such as the make the investor experience a seamless and hassle
KwaShuShu Hotspring project in Maphumulo, the free one. “Enterprise iLembe has the critical mandate
Nokukhanya Luthuli Street in KwaDukuza and the of driving and facilitating economic development and
Sibudu Caves project in Ndwedwe,” Mncube said. growth in the iLembe District. This mandate cannot
be executed in isolation and it is, therefore, important
He said potential travellers are urged to explore the that partnerships are developed and maintained with
exquisite and tranquil KZN North Coast with fun and all players, including local municipalities, the private
affordable things to do. “Visitors can explore different sector, government departments, the local community
traditional cultural experiences, animal and reptile and international organisations.
farms, nature reserves, walking paths, beach walks and
scuba diving, as well as museums, art galleries and art “We welcome local, national and international support
and craft markets.” to our iLembe District and look forward to building more
collaborative partnerships with other business investors
Business Incubator Facility to sustain economic growth and to create business and
Enterprise iLembe has a Business Incubator Facility employment opportunities,” said Mncube.

Cheryl Peters; Mayor of iLembe District Municipality, Siduduzo Gumede; Chairperson of Enterprise iLembe Board,
Xolani Gumede; Linda Mncube, and Daniel Maerkl, Project Manager at Enterprise iLembe recently celebrated the
first anniversary of the Seventeen87 Wine Cellar in Ballito which is a project of Enterprise iLembe.

www.enterpriseilembe.co.za 57