Latest news with #NonkqubelaPieters
The Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald
Motorcycle handover puts youth on road to success
The path is now open for 20 unemployed youth in Gqeberha to kick-start their delivery businesses. Economic development MEC Nonkqubela Pieters handed over 20 motorbikes with accessories at the Veeplaas Community Hall, through the Kasi Delivery Youth Empowerment Programme. The motorbikes and accessories are worth R684,000. The initiative is driven in partnership with the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and local start-up Kasi Delivery. Among the recipients was Tandokazi Nkosana, a former student at Lovedale TVET College. 'This opportunity has opened doors for me,' Nkosana said. 'I've learnt how to manage a business, serve customers professionally and now I have a source of income, something I didn't have before. 'There is no other viable income at home, so what I earn now helps provide for my family as well.' Amkela Xosana, who studied at Ikhala TVET College, said this was an opportunity to change his life. 'We didn't just receive bikes, we received skills, confidence and a fresh start. 'I can now drive safely, interact with clients and think like an entrepreneur,' he said. To date, the programme has supported 40 beneficiaries. Pieters said this was another milestone in the government's ongoing efforts to grow the township economy and create opportunities for young people. 'This moment is not only about handing over equipment; it is about restoring hope, unlocking potential and setting our young people on a path towards sustainable self-employment and dignity,' she said. The Herald
Daily Maverick
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Kasi Delivery hands motorbikes to 20 young township entrepreneurs
In a bid to tackle youth unemployment and boost township economies, 20 young entrepreneurs from across Gqeberha received motorbikes through the Kasi Delivery Youth Empowerment Programme. The energy was electric in Veeplaas on Tuesday, August 5 as 20 brand-new motorbikes were officially handed over to youngsters through the Kasi Delivery Youth Empowerment Programme. The event brought together key development players, including the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency, Zero4One, Harambee and local business, Daku Spar. Kasi Delivery helps young people obtain their driving licences and trains them in service delivery. Once trained, they operate their own delivery businesses under the Kasi Delivery brand, contributing a portion of their profits to support the next group of aspiring entrepreneurs. Each partner reaffirmed their shared commitment to uplifting township economies, empowering young people and building sustainable local businesses. Addressing the crowd, Eastern Cape MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism Nonkqubela Pieters said, 'These township entrepreneurs are no longer confined to the margins. They now have the tools and the platform to lead change on their own terms. 'Once spectators of opportunity, they are now active players in growing the local economy. This aligns with our mission to build an inclusive economy where no one is left behind.' Pieters confirmed that the handover formed part of a broader provincial commitment to deliver 50 motorbikes, with 40 already handed over. 'An employed youth means decreased crime. This is about improving the Kasi (township) economy. We insure these bikes for a year, and then the entrepreneurs take over. We are building sustainability,' Pieters said. 'Make my dream come true' For Kwanele Jebe from New Brighton, the handover marked the start of a long-envisioned mission. 'I've been unemployed for years. But now, I can make my dream come true, to deliver medical treatments to vulnerable community members who struggle to reach clinics,' said Jebe, who was inspired by his elderly relative's challenges accessing healthcare. 'Mobility is a privilege many don't have. I want to bridge that gap,' he said. Another recipient, Thandokazi Nkosana, said she had studied at Lovedale College, but struggled to find work until she approached Kasi Deliveries. 'I'm the breadwinner at home, and now I can finally put food on the table. These bikes are the thin line between hunger and survival. I think it's also very important to note the inclusivity – women can do it too, and it's Women's Month! ' she said with a giggle. 'Restoring dignity' The Eastern Cape Development Corporation's Ayanda Malabar said the programme went beyond economic stimulus; it was about restoring dignity. 'We are here to equip young people with the means to be independent, confident contributors to their communities,' he said. At the centre of this success story is Kasi Delivery's founder Theo Gora, who proudly shared the company's progress. 'All our drivers make a minimum of R4,000 per month. Demand is growing and we're ready to expand to other regions in the province,' Gora said, adding that the next step was a custom-built app to complement their current WhatsApp-based system. 'We bridge the gap between suburbs and townships. Someone in Summerstrand may be afraid or lazy to drive to Zwide for traditional food like ulusu, that's where we come in. We unlock access and boost township businesses in the process.' 'Resilience, innovation' Acting Executive Director for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture Wandisile Makwabe praised the resilience and innovation of the local youth. 'The pandemic exposed two urgent needs: access to food and access to opportunity. Our youth didn't wait for handouts; they created solutions,' Makwabe said. 'A group of young innovators from our townships built a food delivery app tailored for communities often excluded by platforms like Uber Eats. They filled a gap that mattered, and they did it with vision, courage and purpose.' Makwabe emphasised that this was a prime example of development driven from within the community. Member of the mayoral committee for economic development, Councillor Bassie Kamana, who delivered the vote of thanks, reinforced the power of this moment. 'To the young people here today, your passion is inspiring. The provision of motorbikes is not just a gesture; it's a sign of what we can achieve together,' he said. 'The future is in your hands, and it is bright.' DM
TimesLIVE
03-07-2025
- TimesLIVE
Parliamentary committee sends condolences after deadly 'pens down' party attack in East London
The parliamentary select committee on education, sciences and the creative industries said it was shocked to learn of the deaths that occurred in an attack at a 'pens-down' party in East London. In a statement on the parliamentary website the committee expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. 'Two people were reported dead and seven others were injured on the weekend after what seems to be a deliberate attack on party revellers in Nompumelelo township, just outside East London. A group of local young men, suspected to be a gang, gatecrashed a 'pens-down' party and started attacking those at the tavern,' committee said. Last weekend, MEC for economic development, environmental affairs and tourism Nonkqubela Pieters hosted a provincial underage drinking summit. The summit, was aimed at addressing one of the province's most urgent youth challenges. Delegates deliberated on prevention strategies, tightening enforcement and promoting safer youth-focused alternatives. The summit took place at Abbotsford Christian Centre in East London and brought together stakeholders from various sectors to find practical solutions to the growing problem of underage drinking. It coincided with the three-year anniversary of the Enyobeni Tavern tragedy in Scenery Park where 21 teenagers lost their lives in the overcrowded tavern under mysterious circumstances. The summit was also preceded by the 21km underage drinking awareness run which was hosted by the Liquor Board in Beacon Bay on June 29. 'Society must not tire in condemning the pens-down culture. This is so reminiscent of the recent Enyobeni incident which is subject of an inquiry that resulted in the deaths of 21 learners in the same vicinity. We condemn these actions, whether learners were involved or not. Law enforcement must leave no stone unturned in this,' the parliamentary committee's chairperson Makhi Feni said. Feni called for parental guidance and serious reflection on situations in which pupils have free access to alcohol. 'It is sad that fatal alcohol-related incidents that often involve learners are becoming a common but worrying occurrence in the country. Social gatherings where learners are allowed to use alcohol should be criminalised. The violence that characterises our society is condemned,.'he t said. Feni said the Eastern Cape department of education must assist and determine if any pupils had been affected by the incident and provide the necessary support.
