07/04/2026
Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality successfully hosted the SMME Tools and Equipment Handover Ceremony at the Koster Town Hall, reaffirming its commitment to advancing local economic development.
The programme was officially opened by the MMC for Planning and Local Economic Development, Cllr Virginia Molatole, who highlighted the municipality’s ongoing efforts to empower local businesses. This initiative, aligned with the municipality’s SDBIP, aims to strengthen SMMEs, enhance productivity, and stimulate economic growth across Koster, Reagile, and Borolelo.
In his address, the Hon. Mayor, Cllr Thabo Jacobs, called on the Planning and LED Directorate to broaden its support to reach more SMMEs. He emphasised that small businesses remain the backbone of the local economy and are key to addressing poverty and unemployment.
The Mayor further raised concern about the state of the local township economy, particularly the prevalence of local shops and tuck shops being operated outside the ownership of South Africans. He urged the LED Directorate to prioritise interventions that empower and support South African entrepreneurs to actively participate in and reclaim space within the township economy. He stressed that building a strong, inclusive local economy requires deliberate efforts to ensure that local communities benefit meaningfully from economic opportunities.
The Mayor also confirmed that this programme will be rolled out to other areas, with Mazista, Moedwil, and Redirile identified as the next communities to benefit.
He further encouraged beneficiaries to take proper care of the equipment provided to ensure sustainability and long-term business growth.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the municipality, noting that the support will improve their operations, increase productivity, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of their businesses.
The municipality remains committed to building an inclusive and resilient local economy through continued support for entrepreneurs and small enterprises.