Legislative committee chairperson Lucky Mbuyane led an oversight visit to the Mpumalanga Stainless Initiative (MSI) in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality on July 10.

Economic Development and Tourism MEC Jesta Sidell reaffirmed the department’s commitment to driving economic growth and ensuring accountability for projects implemented across the province.

She acknowledged that MSI is currently operating under space constraints, noting that the existing facility is too small to fully support the programme’s activities and future expansion.

During a departmental presentation, Anthony Ngomane explained that MSI is one of two business incubators supported by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT), under the Mpumalanga Industrial Development Plan, which is aligned with the province’s Economic Growth and Development Path.

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Established through a partnership between DEDT, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality and Columbus Stainless, MSI was created to develop technical skills, support micro, small and medium enterprises in stainless steel manufacturing, promote local beneficiation, and create opportunities for historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs.

Support for local entrepreneurs

The initiative provides subsidised production facilities, technical and entrepreneurship training, mentoring, coaching and market access support through a structured three-year incubation programme. Strategic partnerships with the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency, the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA, the National Youth Development Agency and Columbus Stainless continue to strengthen the programme by providing financial support, skills development, and business growth opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Moeketsi Mpofu thanked the department for creating opportunities through the initiative. He also highlighted the need for additional land to allow the project to expand and accommodate more beneficiaries.

Committee raises concerns

Members of the portfolio committee raised concerns about MSI’s turnover, limited details on the project’s budget and staffing, trainee placement after completion of the incubation programme, and the effectiveness of its marketing and public awareness initiatives. MSI CEO Prince Nkosi acknowledged that limited operational space remains one of the initiative’s greatest challenges. He committed to submitting a consolidated report addressing all matters raised by the committee.

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Nkosi said the initiative is governed by a six-member board and has consistently achieved clean audit outcomes over the past four years. He added that the programme promotes the participation of women and young people, and that awareness campaigns are conducted on social media platforms.

The committee resolved that DEDT, the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality and MSI must submit comprehensive reports addressing all outstanding matters.