By Tabisa Mntengwana
23 April 2009

A HUNDRED beneficiaries of the Mdantsane Urban Renewal Programme (MURP) have received certificates as part of the Local Economic Action Partnership (Leap) and Livelihood Innovative Fund Enhancement (Life) projects.

The beneficiaries included small, medium and micro enterprises, non-governmental organisations and aspiring entrepreneurs in fields ranging from gardening, cleaning and car washing to arts and craft creators.

Leap and Life were launched in October 2008; the certificates were handed out at the Mdantsane Indoor Sports Centre on 16 April. The initiatives were set up to encourage the establishment of viable businesses and community-based organisations in Mdantsane.

In all, 80 entrepreneurs benefited as part of Leap and 20 community-based organisations benefit under the Life project. The day kicked off with a performance by a dance group from Mdantsane Arts Centre and a welcome from the ward councilor, Nolusindiso Pauli.

“These projects have and will improve the lives and business skills [of beneficiaries] through this training,” she said.

Giving her keynote address, the portfolio head for local economic development, tourism and rural development, Mankomo Pango, said: “This is a true manifestation that we cannot live on government grants or wait for our family’s income to have better lives and reduce poverty.”

The City was here to develop and improve the lives of its citizens, she added.

Sakhumzi Caga, the executive support portfolio head, presented the certificates. “We hope that you will also give other businesses around you the information you have learned and help them grow their businesses.”

Life beneficiary Khungeka Mniswa spoke about how the project had helped her. “We were not only equipped with business skills but also with communications and other relevant skills.”

Another beneficiary, who took part in the Leap programme, Victor Ngani, thanked the municipality and the MURP. “These projects will encourage us to improve our income generating activities and reduce poverty.”

The day concluded with a performance by the jazz band, Urban Connection, also part of the Mdantsane Arts Centre.

Aimed at individuals from the township who already have their business ideas and are looking for funding, the Local Economic Action Partnership helps entrepreneurs who have been operating for over a year. These businesses are assisted with business management training.

Businesses that have been operating for more than three years and whose owners want hands-on mentorship to improve performance are also targeted.

Livelihood Innovative Fund Enhancement is targeted at non-profit community-based initiatives and organisations from Mdantsane. They are given a one-off grant of a maximum of R50 000 to focus on key areas including infrastructure, capacity building and training, management and administrative systems, furniture and equipment and marketing and fundraising support.