The MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi, together with the Mayor of Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality, Cllr. Mduduzi Myeza, today officially launched the R1.9 million Social Employment Fund Initiative at Estcourt Town Hall in Estcourt.The initiative will support 100 beneficiaries, including young people, women, through targeted economic empowerment and skills development programmes aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods.

The programme is a partnership between Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality, Property Point and the Mkhambathini Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Amongst its objectives is to reduce GBVF survivors material dependency and overreliance on perpetrators by providing meaningful economic opportunities, artisanal skills training, entrepreneurship development and market access support to enable beneficiaries to establish and grow sustainable businesses across various sectors.

Delivering the keynote address during the launch, MEC Zondi emphasised the importance of empowering vulnerable groups through inclusive economic development initiatives and collaborative partnerships between government, business and community stakeholders. He highlighted the provincial government’s commitment to creating opportunities that restore dignity, promote self-reliance and strengthen local economic participation.

The successful launch of the Social Employment Fund Initiative marks a significant step towards advancing community empowerment, economic inclusion and sustainable development within Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality and the broader uThukela District.