The eThekwini Municipality’s proposed collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Oils Group (Pty) Ltd is expected to address barriers faced by township and peri-urban entrepreneurs.
In a report before the council on Tuesday, the municipality stated that the KZN Oils Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Project 10X Unicorn programme was conceptualised in October 2024 in response to entrepreneurs having limited access to markets, constrained financing, fragmented mentorship support, and weak operational systems.
The ESD initiative was launched during a seminar at the municipality’s Durban Business Fair in 2024. According to the municipality, the key outcome of the seminar was to support 20 small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), with KZN Oils serving as the custodian and host of the six-month ESD programme. Approximately 74 SMMEs applied.
According to the report, the selection criteria focused on compliance, years of business operation, growth potential, alignment with the KZN Oils Group value chain, potential community impact, and an entrepreneurial mindset with enhanced operational readiness.
The municipality is preparing to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a period of three years with KZN Oils and also include the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) as a strategic partner in the programme.
The municipality, EDTEA, and KZN Oils are expected to establish a steering committee to implement the objectives of the MoU and support programmes. According to the report, these include an enterprise support programme that provides a structured six-month mentorship and coaching programme designed to support enterprises.
Through this MoU, the municipality, KZN Oils, and EDTEA will combine resources, expertise, and infrastructure to support SMMEs in the programme by providing business management with technical skills, procurement opportunities, and access to funding.
“This collaboration is expected to contribute to sector growth, job creation, and poverty reduction in eThekwini,” the municipality stated.
The respective roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder include the EDTEA’s financial support of up to R10,000 per qualifying SMME for a maximum of 25 SMMEs, as well as additional support aimed at enhancing competitiveness and sales performance.
According to the municipality, it will provide non-financial support in collaboration with KZN Oils and EDTEA to facilitate access to resources for SMME capacity-building interventions and will also oversee the coordination of the awards ceremony.
“Designated officials will meet monthly to review progress, identify challenges, and recommend corrective actions. The Memorandum of Understanding will establish clear mechanisms for the effective implementation, coordination, and monitoring of joint initiatives aimed at advancing enterprise development,” the municipality said.
zainul.dawood@inl.co.za
