By Charmaine Ndlela
KwaZulu-Natal’s economic development department said a new R13.4 million small-scale manufacturing and value-add centre in Nongoma is designed to help rural entrepreneurs improve their prospects.
The KwaMajomela Small Scale Manufacturing and Value-Add Centre was implemented through a partnership between the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) and the Zululand District Municipality.
The idea followed a feasibility study commissioned by the department, which confirmed the need for a dedicated small-scale manufacturing and enterprise development facility in KwaMajomela.
Speaking at the official handover in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal economic development MEC Musa Zondi said the facility was more than just infrastructure.
“This centre is not simply a trading site. It is an enterprise development hub, a skills development platform and a community economic anchor. It represents government’s commitment to building an inclusive and resilient local economy,” Zondi said.
EDTEA said the centre includes 10 lockable trading stalls, dedicated market space for fresh produce, small manufacturing facilities, a 50-seater training and meeting facility, shared services infrastructure and office space, ablution facilities, water harvesting systems, and an open arena for community events.
Already, 12 informal and MSME businesses, including women, youth and local entrepreneurs, have been allocated space and are operational at the centre.
The MEC said that while infrastructure is critical, sustainable impact will depend on proper management, ongoing business support, active community participation and strong collaboration between the Municipality, traders and the Department.
Through its Regional and Local Economic Development Unit, EDTEA said it has committed to working closely with Nongoma Local Municipality to ensure that the training facilities are utilised for enterprise development programmes, market days and community business events.
“Economic development does not happen in offices. It happens in places like this, where ordinary people are given the tools to create extraordinary outcomes,” Zondi said.
The department said it views the KwaMajomela Centre as a model for rural enterprise development across KwaZulu-Natal and a catalyst for local economic renewal in Nongoma and surrounding communities.
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