BUFFALO City Metro youth-owned enterprises received a significant boost as the Eastern Cape Provincial Government handed over equipment worth more than R2 million through the Provincial Government’s Isiqalo Youth Fund. The handover ceremony took place at the East London City Hall.
Labtronics, a Mdantsane-based company specialising in videography, photography, podcasting, audio-visual production and lighting (AVL) consulting, received a panel van and ICT equipment valued at R1,3 million. Founder and creative director Thobani Vumindaba expressed his deep appreciation to the provincial government stating: “The equipment and the vehicle will make it easier for us to be more mobile. We previously faced challenges moving between locations because we had a small car and limited equipment”.
KwaNontsomi Enterprise, a videography and photography company producing DVDs and high-quality visual content from Waters, King William’s Town, received a van and sound equipment valued at R1,5 million. Director, Ntsikelelo Mavata said that the initiative’s support will provide a positive impact on his business. He further added: “This equipment will help us improve and reach our end goal of becoming one of the most thriving audio-visual companies in the Eastern Cape’s creative ecosystem.”
Executive Mayor of Buffalo City Metro Municipality, Princess Faku, expressed her enthusiasm for the future of the two young entrepreneurs operating in the creative sector, an industry she highlighted as a growing contributor to the provincial economy.
“I’m so happy to hand over this equipment to these young business owners on behalf of Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane. This reaffirms the province’s commitment to strengthening their capacity to participate meaningfully in the economy. It also reflects our ongoing efforts to create a conducive environment for young entrepreneurs through both financial and non-financial support,” said Mayor Faku.
The Isiqalo Youth Fund remains one of the province’s key interventions aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs with the tools, infrastructure and capital needed to advance their businesses.
