SMALL LOCAL COMPANIES RECEIVE HELP IN TOUGH COVID CLIMATE

February 2021, Droogfontein Solar Power.

A Kimberley-based, youth-owned company that produces school uniforms for local schools in the Northern Cape, has received funding for machinery and business equipment, as part of an Economic Development collaboration programme, aimed to support start-ups.

Othie and Angie Holdings, a micro sewing business, named in tribute to the owner’s children, has already been able to increase its production run and is hoping to supply more schools in the district.

“The new embroidery machine and digitizing software means that I have increased my production, giving me the confidence to market my services to more schools, as I know that I can produce a quality product, on time,” said Keaoleboga Lerumo, owner of the small business.

Othie and Angie employs two staff, with the intention of increasing this as production grows, which is heartening in these hard trading times. Sol Plaatje Primary School and Montshiwa Primary School in Galeshewe, as well as Mammutla High School in Mammutla Village, Pampirstard, are some of her customers, but she hopes to grow this list during 2021.

“My business is already picking up with the first equipment that I have received from Droogfontein Solar Power and I can now imagine a sustainable business that can expand and employ more people,” added Lerumo.

“Small businesses contribute significantly to our economy and employment and are most vulnerable to COVID-19,” explained Zuki Ndlela, Economic Development Officer for Droogfontein Solar Power.

The Economic Development programme partnership includes the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA), National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and Droogfontein Solar Power.

The programme has identified the gap in start-ups being able to become sustainable businesses that can thrive, expand and employ more staff, which will help to drive local economic development that is more robust.

Each of the participating partners play a key role in this journey, from providing start-up funding in the induction phase to mentorship, development funding, loans and finally equity share.