The R13.4 million KwaMajomela Centre in Nongoma is a significant milestone in advancing inclusive rural economic development in the Zululand District.

The Small Scale Manufacturing and Value Add Centre was handed over by the MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Musa Zondi, and Zululand District Mayor, Michael Khumalo, on Saturday.

The department partnered with Zululand District to build the centre which created 37 construction-related jobs.

Speaking at the event, Zondi said, “This centre is not simply a trading site. It is an enterprise development hub, a skills development platform, and a community economic anchor. It represents the government’s commitment to building an inclusive and resilient local economy.”

The centre includes: 10 lockable trading stalls; a dedicated market space for fresh produce; a small manufacturing facilities; a 50-seater training and meeting facility; a shared services infrastructure and office space; an ablution facilities; a water harvesting systems; and an open arena for community events.

Zondi said12 SMMEs have been allocated space, calling on communities to support the traders.

Through its Regional and Local Economic Development Unit, EDTEA is working closely with Nongoma Local Municipality to ensure that the training facilities are used for enterprise development programmes, market days, and community business events.

“Economic development does not happen in offices. It happens in places like this, where ordinary people are given the tools to create extraordinary outcomes,” said Zondi.

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