Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize, visited Newcastle last week Tuesday.
She had been invited to attend a series of events in KwaZulu-Natal, with the focus on opportunities available to young people, women, and entrepreneurs in Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
Accompanying Prof. Mkhize were senior officials from Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) and Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA).
The Mayor, Afzul Rehman, said Newcastle Municipality had done its best to help businesses prosper and that Professor Mkhize could offer insight in strengthening SMMEs.
The main objectives of the visit were to address the challenges of unemployment and poverty, to discuss available economic upliftment opportunities, and to provide assistance with the establishment of cooperatives for women and youth.
