By Johnathan Paoli
Small Business Development Minister Stella Tembisa Ndabeni has praised the newly launched Shared Economic Infrastructure Facilities (SEIF) initiative as a transformative step for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The initiative aims to provide co-funding for shared infrastructure facilities to support micro, small, and medium enterprises in Gauteng.
Speaking during the launch in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, Ndabeni stressed the transformative nature of the initiative, particularly for youth-owned businesses.
“This hub will provide affordable rental space, incubation, and market access for SMMEs in manufacturing, engineering, and professional services. It’s a game changer for youth-owned businesses, formalising trading spaces and boosting industrial growth,” she said.
Backed by R14 million in funding from the Small Business Development department, the initiative is designed to encourage partnerships between national, provincial, and local governments to accelerate public and private sector investment.
The funding will support the construction and development of the RH-Manufacturing Supplier Park Project, an industrial hub spearheaded by Raco Holdings, a 100% black-owned industrial investment company.
Raco Holdings’ Manufacturing Supplier Park will serve as a shared facility for four to six MSMEs, offering upgraded infrastructure such as workshops and warehousing facilities.
By enhancing these critical resources, the initiative aims to empower small businesses to scale their operations and contribute to regional economic development.
The SEIF initiative is a collaborative effort that brings together multiple stakeholders, including municipalities, provincial governments, government agencies, and private sector investors.
This cooperation ensures that the necessary economic infrastructure is in place to help small enterprises thrive, unlocking greater economic growth in the process.
The SEIF Adjudication Committee, led by the department, approved an allocation of R14,950,000 for the RH-Manufacturing Supplier Park Project.
This funding aligns with the SEIF program guidelines and the project’s business plan, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for MSMEs.
Beyond manufacturing and engineering, the revamped site will function as a dual-purpose hub.
It will also accommodate professional services, such as call center operations and other business support services ensuring the facility meets the evolving needs of small businesses in Gauteng.
The Manufacturing Supplier Park is expected to drive innovation, create employment opportunities, and formalise trading spaces for emerging enterprises.
It will also provide an incubation center, equipping entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and market access they need to succeed.
Ndabeni underscored the long-term benefits of the initiative, saying that the project is more than just infrastructure; but about creating a sustainable ecosystem where small businesses can flourish.
She said the SEIF initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to stimulate industrial growth, create jobs, and promote economic inclusivity and that as the facility takes shape, it is expected to attract additional investment and serve as a model for similar projects across the country.
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