MEC Bitsa Lenkopane, together with Mr Risuna Maluleke, CEO of the Young African
Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI), and Local Councillor Ms Montewa Sisco, officiated the
handover of training certificates and R10 000 grant support to 30 informal traders from the
Greater Taung Local Municipality.
The ceremony, hosted on 13 March 2026, followed the successful completion of the Practical
Formalisation of Informal Business Training Programme, facilitated by the Department of
Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) in partnership
with YAEI, and held at the Depot Hall in Taung.
The programme targeted food-related informal traders, including vendors selling vegetables
and fruits, cooked food, snacks, chickens, and other animal products.
This initiative forms part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to empower local traders
with practical business skills, enabling them to improve credibility, safety standards, and
operational systems – key elements for accessing broader markets, funding opportunities, and
compliance requirements necessary for business growth.
Addressing the beneficiaries, MEC Lenkopane commended the traders for embracing the
opportunity to participate in the training programme, noting that such initiatives are critical for
strengthening small businesses.
“Government has identified and prioritised skills development as a key intervention required
to stimulate sustainable growth of small businesses. Training programmes offered by
government and its partners are essential for long-term business survival, improved
productivity, and increased profitability, enabling innovation and entrepreneurs to remain
competitive even against larger companies,” said the MEC.
She further encouraged traders not to underestimate the importance of their businesses,
highlighting the vital role played by township and village enterprises. “Your businesses may
be small, but they play a significant role in restoring dignity and sustaining communities. For
many years, township and village businesses have supported families, paid school fees, and
contributed to local livelihoods,” she said.
The MEC noted that during a time when economic growth in the province remains slower than
anticipated and unemployment levels remain high, government is looking to communities and
small enterprises to take advantage of available support programmes aimed at strengthening
and expanding businesses. “We remain committed to supporting small businesses because
they play a critical role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and alleviating poverty,” she
added. She also encouraged traders to formalise their businesses, which would allow them to
qualify for other government support programmes aimed at business expansion and
sustainability.
Today’s certification ceremony also fulfils one of the commitments made during the MEC’s
Budget Speech, where she emphasised the Department’s intention to strengthen partnerships
with institutions of higher learning and the private sector. These include organisations such as
YAEI, North-West University (NWU), ABSA, and other partners, to collaborate on business
incubation, innovation, and the development of entrepreneurial youth who can drive
measurable socio-economic impact through active participation in the economy.
Speaking at the event, YAEI CEO, Mr Maluleke expressed appreciation to the Department for
the partnership, noting that the collaboration would contribute significantly to the growth of
township and rural economies.
He further indicated that the current incubation programme marks the first collaborative project
between the Department and YAEI targeting informal traders, adding that the organisation
looks forward to expanding the initiative to other local municipalities and scaling up the
programme in the future.
Ends.
Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and
Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Thomas Matlapeng (083 687 3649)
OR
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
Director: Communication and IT Services
072 333 0325 | Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect / Facebook: @nwdedect