New ECDC CEO begins office at the corporationSitembele Mase, previously CEO of the micro finance institution South African Micro Finance Apex Fund (SAMAF), has been appointed the Eastern Cape Development Corporation’s chief executive office.. Read More...
 
ECDC to host entrepreneurial workshops in Aliwal NorthThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has today begun a series of workshops which will be held throughout the Eastern Cape in a bid to build the capacity and competitiveness of small businesses.. Read More...
 
Serious business at the EC HubNewly appointed ECDC CEO Sitembele Mase and Dti Director of Investment Projects Francois Truter are among the presenting guests of the Exporters Club of South Africa, which will meet next at the Eastern Cape Hub.. Read More...
 
ECDC crafts the path to success for rural womenThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has invested over R600, 000 in a women’s development project in rural Transkei.. Read More...
 
ECDC crafts the path to success for rural womenThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has invested over R600, 000 in a women’s development project in rural Transkei.. Read More...
 
Guesthouse owner’s winning streakECDC helps leading Queenstown B&B owner, Maria Nyawula, to put her Victorian manor on the map.. Read More...
 
Sithembele Mase is ECDC’s new CEOSAMAF head returns to his former employer.. Read More...
 
ECDC solar power investment positions Eastern Cape as a leader in renewable energyA R20 million Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) investment into solar water heater manufacturer, Matla Solar in the East London Industrial Development Zone (IDZ,) has positioned the Eastern Cape as a leading player in the renewable energy sector.. Read More...
 
ECDC funds new EC dietary fibre projectA DIETARY fibre project co-funded by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation is the first big step to revive the once ailing Eastern Cape pineapple industry.. Read More...
 
EC crafters impress international audienceThe L'Artigiano de Fiera - one of the biggest of its kind - is held at the Fiera complex on the outskirts of Milan. The six artists returned home having sold out their crafts which included soft furnishings such as cushions and curtains, mohair products, African dolls and recycled glass jewellery. The crafters were part of a 34 member craft team from all over South Africa put together by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).Two of the best sellers in the country hailed from the Eastern Cape. . Read More...
 
ECDC sees growth in EC’s futureActing ECDC CEO Msulwa Daca says positive growth needs to be combined with job creation, as well as infrastructure investment and government’s SMME support.. Read More...
 
ECDC says expected growth rate positive for the province"The projected 2,3% economic growth rate in the national budget speech is positive because players in the economic development field rely on government's projections to make estimates at the local level," says Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) acting chief executive Msulwa Daca.. Read More...
 
R40 million required for maize storage facilities in the TranskeiTo alleviate the chronic shortage of maize storage space for farming communities in the former Transkei R40 million is required for constructing new silos and refurbishing existing ones.. Read More...
 
Six Eastern Cape crafters wow audiences at annual International craft festival in MilanSix Eastern Cape crafters recently wowed an international audience at the annual International L'Artigiano de Fiera Milano (correct) craft festival at the world's fashion capital in Milan, Italy. . Read More...
 
Eastern Cape's first wine estate to reap first harvest this monthKick-started by a R3,2 million Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) loan, the Eastern Cape's first wine estate, Cob Creek Wine Estate in Jeffrey's Bay, is set to reap its first commercial harvest at the end of February.. Read More...
 
Emerging contractors programme given industry thumbs upThe Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has given the thumbs up to the Eastern Cape Development Corporation's (ECDC) flagship Integrated Emerging Contractors Development Programme (IECDM) as an industry leader.. Read More...
 
ECDC reaction to Budget Speech"The projected 2,3% economic growth rate in the national budget speech is positive because players in the economic development field rely on government's projections to make estimates at the local level," says Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) acting chief executive Msulwa Daca.. Read More...
 
Emerging contractors programme given industry thumbs upThe Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has given the thumbs up to the Eastern Cape Development Corporation's (ECDC) flagship Integrated Emerging Contractors Development Programme (IECDM) as an industry leader.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape's first Wine Estate to reap first harvest this monthKick-started by a R3,2 million Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) loan, the Eastern Cape's first wine estate, Cob Creek Wine Estate in Jeffrey's Bay, is set to reap its first commercial harvest at the end of February.. Read More...
 
ECDC sees light at the end of the recession tunnelThe 2010 World Cup is expected to increase traffic into the province’s coffers through tourism.. Read More...
 
EC unlocks tourism potentialInvestments pour into one of the Eastern Cape’s most profitable sector. Read More...
 
ECDC welcomes Mabandla as ChairpersonNew chairperson set to assist in streamlining the ECDC’s activities. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape economy to pick up in 2010The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) believes that while the Eastern Cape economy has been affecting by a seemingly unrelenting global economic recession, there is hope beyond the storm for the provincial economy in 2010. A number of sectors such as tourism, and the struggling general manufacturing sector, led by automotives, are likely to pick up next year as the country eases out of the recession.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape tourism sector poised for growth as investments pour inSignificant tourism investments running into millions of rands which have generated job creation and economic growth opportunities for the Eastern Cape in the last year have placed the province on track to unlock its untapped tourism potential.. Read More...
 
ECDC procurement specialist’s MBA thesis takes world by stormEast London SMMEs take to the worldstage with the launch of an ECDC authored publication. Read More...
 
ECDC move from traditional to contract based finance pays dividendsEastern Cape business follows global move to microfinance. Read More...
 
ECDC launches first office in Ukhahlamba District MunicpalityOne of the province’s poorer regions gets business support. Read More...
 
Mdantsane fashion duo make impressive debut at national exhibitionECDC’s crafters show off their prowess at landmark exhibition. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape SMME Summit kicks off at Christian Centre tomorrowOver 300 Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), existing businesses and associations from across the Eastern Cape will gather for the third annual SMME Summit and Business Unlimited Expo at the Christian Centre tomorrow. The annual summit is organised by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEEA), the University of Fort Hare (UFH) and the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA). . Read More...
 
ECDC revives its Satellite office in Ukhahlamba District MunicipalityAfter a long absence, start-up and existing businesses in the Ukhahlamba District Municipality (UKDM) will again be able to access Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) business finance and enterprise development services when it launches a satellite office in the region tomorrow.. Read More...
 
ECDC move from traditional to contract based finance pays dividendsThe move from traditional forms of microfinance to the less risky tender or contract-based finance has paid dividends for the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC).. Read More...
 
ECDC releases solid resultsMore than 800 Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) received financial support from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) in the 2008/2009 financial year compared to 130 in the previous year due to a successful turnaround strategy.. Read More...
 
ECDC honours 10 top Eastern Cape womenWith no knowledge of the construction industry, Mandisa Makiwane took the “plunge” and started Limangwe Construction in 2000 with little chance of success, barely nine years later, she has been honoured as one of the top 10 women in the Eastern Cape.. Read More...
 
IBM sends specialist team to help economic development institutions become more efficientWith four years project management experience at leading business solutions provider International Business Machines (IBM), Saritha Bhat from India is using her knowledge to help institutions like the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) become more effective.. Read More...
 
ECDC procurement specialist’s MBA thesis goes internationalA Master of Business Administration (MBA) thesis by Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) procurement officer Nomhle Sinxoto was so impressive that an international publishing house has turned it into a book.. Read More...
 
Mdantsane fashion duo make impressive debut at national exhibitionVisions are literally “becoming” for a duo of Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) funded Mdantsane young designers who wowed an international audience at the annual Department of Trade and Industry (dti) South African Handmade Collection exhibition with their new line of kitchen accessories.. Read More...
 
ECDC releases solid resultsMore than 800 Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) received financial support from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) in the 2008/2009 financial year compared to 130 in the previous year due to a successful turnaround strategy.. Read More...
 
ECDC honours 10 top Eastern Cape womenOther women celebrated include Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet and director-general Dr Sibongile Muthwa.. Read More...
 
IBM sends specialist team to help economic institutions become more efficientWith four years project management experience at leading business solutions provider International Business Machines (IBM), Saritha Bhat from India is using her knowledge to help institutions like the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) become more effective.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape photographic exhibition now “globe trotter”Europeans love the Bathurst “Big Pineapple”, Hole in the Wall, Bird Island and bottle nosed dolphins says Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) which recently returned from its third photographic exhibition on the continent.. Read More...
 
ECDC trials new crop pilot with Majola communityThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) is helping the Majola community of Port St John’s trial a new crop called Cassava, a root plant of Amazon origins and belonging to the sweet potato family.. Read More...
 
EC “home to almost 10% of all known plants”ECDC medicinal and aromatic plants sector manager says opportunities abound as users move to healthy alternatives now valued at R270 million.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape ad takes to the airAn ECDC funded and managed ad, showcasing the province’s tourism and business potential, produces favourable response.. Read More...
 
Paprika farming boosts economyECDC remains involved in Sidalukukhanya, the Keiskammahoek project, which has been recently funded by Unilever and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.. Read More...
 
EL solar energy plant for East London IDZECDC funds solar energy plant in the East London IDZ.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape construction sector poised for growth over short to medium termECDC CEO Mxolisi Matshamba says construction will play major role in keeping regional economy buoyant. The Eastern Cape’s construction sector is likely stimulate the province’s economic growth in the short to medium term despite the downturn in the global economy. . Read More...
 
200 Eastern Cape SMME’s meet global standardRigorous ISO training programme should build competitiveness of small businesses. Two hundred Eastern Cape Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME’s) received International Standards Organisation (ISO) certificates allowing them to compete in international markets and for big contracts at an awards ceremony held at the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) yesterday. . Read More...
 
200 Eastern Cape SMME’s meet global standardTwo hundred Eastern Cape Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME’s) received International Standards Organisation (ISO) certificates allowing them to compete in international markets and for big contracts at an awards ceremony held at the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) yesterday.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape construction poised growth in short to medium termThe Eastern Cape’s construction sector is likely stimulate the province’s economic growth in the short to medium term despite the downturn in the global economy. Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) chief executive officer Mxolisi Matshamba says because of the infrastructural backlogs in the province, the construction sector is positioned for growth.. Read More...
 
ECDC view on the Eastern Cape's investment promotion prospectsCEO Mxolisi Matshamba shares the corporation's thinking on promoting the province in the current economic climate.. Read More...
 
ECDC courts five Chinese investors after successful trade missionInvestors are interested in sectors range from automotive, textiles to clothing and plastic pipes.. Read More...
 
ECDC, Housing and Public Works sign emerging contractors’ agreementTwo hundred contractors to build over 1,000 homes.. Read More...
 
ECDC, Housing and Public Works sign emerging contractors' agreementAn agreement signed yesterday between the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the departments of Public Works and Housing will see over 200 emerging contractors gain access to finance, jobs and skills over the next two years. As part of the programme, emerging contractors graduating from the ECDC’s Integrated Emerging Contractors Development Model (IECDM) and public works emerging contractors Incubator programme have preference when tendering for the department of Housing infrastructure projects. . Read More...
 
ECDC gets clean audit for second consecutive yearThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has received a clean audit report for the second consecutive year and it has also managed to fill all senior positions and regional office heads.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape photographic exhibition launched in GermanyThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the development arm of the Eastern Cape Government, recently launched its Eastern Cape from Above photographic exhibition at the Munich Airport in Germany.. Read More...
 
EC crafters excel at DTI eventEleven Eastern Cape individual crafters recently saw off tough competition to claim the best crafts stand award at the recent South African Handmade Collection exhibition at the Gallagher Estate.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape tourism industry overhaulA major overhaul of the Eastern Cape tourism industry is underway to position the province as a tourism “mecca” while leveraging off the opportunities presented by the lucrative 2010 Soccer World Cup.. Read More...
 
Queenstown’s Lukhanji plans ramp upThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has announced it is to move into the second phase of developing Queenstown’s Lukhanji Aerodrome into an industrial business hub. . Read More...
 
ECDC COURTS FIVE CHINESE INVESTORS AFTER SUCCESSFULTRADE MISSIONFive Chinese investors have expressed their intention to invest in the Eastern Cape after the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) participated in an investment promotion mission to the Asian economic powerhouse last month. . Read More...
 
Exhibition captures Eastern Cape’s spectacular landscapesMore than 12,000 travelers and visitors to Germany’s Munich airport were treated to eclectic beauty of the Eastern Cape in October with a photographic exhibition which included 40 photographic larger-than-life displays.. Read More...
 
CEO Mxolisi Matshamba highlights clean audit as well as other achievements in annual results overvieThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has received a clean audit report for the second consecutive year and it has also managed to fill all senior positions and regional office heads.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape photographic exhibition launched in GermanyThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the development arm of the Eastern Cape Government, will launch its Eastern Cape from Above photographic exhibition at the Munich Airport in Germany today.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape photographic exhibition launched in GermanyThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the development arm of the Eastern Cape Government, recently launched its Eastern Cape from Above photographic exhibition at the Munich Airport in Germany. The exhibition, consisting of 40 aerial views of the province, was offically opened by the South African Ambassador to Germany, Mr Eddie Funde and ran until 22 October. . Read More...
 
EC crafters excel at DTI eventEleven Eastern Cape individual crafters recently saw off tough competition to claim the best crafts stand award at the recent South African Handmade Collection exhibition at the Gallagher Estate. The group was part of an Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) delegation to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) event. . Read More...
 
Eastern Cape tourism industry overhaulA major overhaul of the Eastern Cape tourism industry is underway to position the province as a tourism “mecca” while leveraging off the opportunities presented by the lucrative 2010 Soccer World Cup. These processes include the review of the province’s Tourism Master Plan which is set to be complete later this month, the updating of statistical data on tourism products and the implementation of the provincial tourism six - point plan for 2010. . Read More...
 
A region with niches that provide global competitive advantageThe Eastern Cape is the third largest province in South Africa. Located on the eastern coast, it lies between the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. With two working harbours and the transhipment hub of Coega due to become operational later this year, three airports offering direct flights to the main urban centres and an excellent rail and road infrastructure, the province continues to be prioritised by the South African government for further economic development. . Read More...
 
ECDC offloads its residential propertiesEconomic development agency is to offload 900 properties with tenants getting first preference. Tenants in good standing with their rental payments will have first option to buy the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) residential units they live in. . Read More...
 
ECDC revamps its websiteNew site boasts several new features including podcasts, webcasts and RSS feeds. . Read More...
 
ECDC improves access to services with new websiteEastern Cape businesses can now interact with overseas investors who are interested in their products or services - at a click of a button - on the revamped Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) website.. Read More...
 
ECDC tenants get first option to buy ECDC residential unitsTenants in good standing with their rental payments will have first option to buy the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) residential units they live in. ECDC head of properties Luyanda Tsipa says this is part of the corporation’s broader strategy to sell assets that don’t generate revenue, including residential properties. . Read More...
 
ECDC improves access to business financeCorporation launches six product to ramp up business opportunities in the province. . Read More...
 
Province's auto sector remains mainstay sectorLatest Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) figures confirm that exports from the province’s two commercial ports, particularly from the automotive sector, are on the increase.. Read More...
 
EC aquaculture Industry shows strong growthMassive investments into the Eastern Cape’s aquaculture industry, running into billions of rands, have placed the province in pole position to challenge the Western Cape’s dominance of this infant industry.. Read More...
 
Fort Jackson property demandThe availability of skilled labour is the main driver behind the high occupancy rates at Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) industrial and commercial properties at Fort Jackson, according to ECDC executive manager of properties Luyanda Tsipa.. Read More...
 
Oysters opportunity for EC entrepreneursLatest Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) figures confirm that exports from the province’s two commercial ports, particularly from the automotive sector, are on the increase. TNPA figures show that the number of vehicles landed and shipped grew by 27% or 9,700 units to 45,200 units in the past year and this trend is set to continue for the foreseeable future. . Read More...
 
ECDC improves access to business financeThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has launched a set of six short and long term business finance products which aim to support viable business ideas in the province.. Read More...
 
EC aquaculture Industry receives faceliftMassive investments into the Eastern Cape’s aquaculture industry, running into billions of rands, have placed the province in pole position to challenge the Western Cape’s dominance of this infant industry.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape energy solution wows global audiences at trade fairA joint venture between Straits Lighting and Uitenhage – based automotive headlights manufacturer Hella, wowed a global business audience at the recent Hanover trade fair in Germany with its Envirolight 57 “extremely energy efficient streetlight.” . Read More...
 
FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR SOMERSET EAST AGRI-PARKA three-month feasibility study, funded by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the Blue Crane Development Agency (BCDA), is set to combine three successful agricultural projects in Somerset East into a single entity.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape energy solution wows global audiences at trade fairA joint venture between Straits Lighting and Uitenhage – based automotive headlights manufacturer Hella, wowed a global business audience at the recent Hanover trade fair in Germany with its Envirolight 57 “extremely energy efficient streetlight.” . Read More...
 
Feasibility study for Somerset East Agri-parkA three-month feasibility study, funded by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the Blue Crane Development Agency (BCDA), is set to combine three successful agricultural projects in Somerset East into a single entity. . Read More...
 
Blue sky prospects for Somerset EastSomerset East is set to get the province’s next private pilot training academy, once the town’s landmark 1,5 km runway is completed. . Read More...
 
Blue sky prospects for Somerset EastSomerset East is set to get the province’s next private pilot training academy, once the town’s landmark 1,5 km runway is completed. The town, about 180 kilometres from the metropolitan hub of Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole), was granted the funding for the runway through the Special Municipal Infrastructure Grant (SMIF) on the advice of Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) regional head Ken Bern, which is involved in several projects in and around the town. . Read More...
 
ECDC chairman appointed to head world bodyProfessor Wiseman Nkuhlu has been appointed the new president of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) for the next two years.. Read More...
 
ECDC shapes up in turnaround strategyThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has stabilised and 80 percent of its turnaround strategy has been fulfilled within the designated timeframes, says ECDC chief executive officer Mxolisi Matshamba.. Read More...
 
Emerging contractors receive skills boostOver 60 Eastern Cape emerging contractors will to take part in the R5 million Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) Integrated Emerging Contractor Development Model (IECDM) programme this year.. Read More...
 
ECDC shapes up in turnaround strategyThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has stabilised and 80 percent of its turnaround strategy has been fulfilled within the designated timeframes, says ECDC chief executive officer Mxolisi Matshamba.. Read More...
 
EMERGING CONTRACTORS RECEIVE SKILLS BOOSTOver 60 Eastern Cape emerging contractors will to take part in the R5 million Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) Integrated Emerging Contractor Development Model (IECDM) programme this year. . Read More...
 
ECDC lenders keep on top of their repaymentsECDC CEO says corporation’s campaign on loan repayments has been successful in reducing bad debts.. Read More...
 
Study gives green light to three rail corridorsPort Elizabeth Alicedale and Addo have been identified as the most promising Eastern Cape rail tourism corridors in a study commissioned by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and Department of Roads and Transport.. Read More...
 
ECDC SABS collaboration on ISOThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation’s Enterprise Development Services (EDS) Unit has partnered with the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) to assist small businesses develop internationally recognized quality standards and provides ongoing training in this respect.. Read More...
 
Study gives green light to three rail corridorsPort Elizabeth Alicedale and Addo have been identified as the most promising Eastern Cape rail tourism corridors in a study commissioned by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC). The study, commissioned earlier this year, also identifies a further four inter-city rail corridors, naming the East London-Bethulie, Cookhouse-Blaney junction, New Brighton-Vondeling and Amabele-Mthatha branch. . Read More...
 
ECDC appoints new marketing agencyThe Eastern Cape’s economic development agency, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has awarded a nine-month marketing and communication contract, worth R10 million, to local marketing consultancy, SMG Africa (Strategic Marketing Group), effective from 1 April 2008.. Read More...
 
ECDC Export Platform facilitates global tradeEastern Cape Development Corporation’s (ECDC) intention to become a provincial one stop export shop has taken a significant step forward with the establishment of an Export Platform to enable local manufacturers to get their goods into global markets.. Read More...
 
Trade SecretsECDC Export Promotion Unit encourages exporters to make use of the Export Trade Secrets on- line question and answer facility on http://www.tradesecrets.co.za . Read More...
 
Essential oils poised to become major new industry in ECapeThe Eastern Cape is poised to become one of the dominant contributors to South Africa’s burgeoning essential oils industry, with 10 government-sponsored trial sites currently in development throughout the province.. Read More...
 
ECDC turning fortunes aroundONE year after embarking on its long-awaited turnaround strategy, the embattled Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) is banking on a new interest rate offering and a new addition of top managers to bring the organisation back from the brink.. Read More...
 
ECDC stable and sustainable, says Annual ReportAn unqualified audit report by the Auditor-General was evidence of the fact that the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) had reached both internal stability and long-term sustainability.. Read More...
 
ECDC Playing a key role in developmentSince the inception of the R1,3 billion timber project in the Ugie-Malcear district in late 2005, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has been deeply involved as the implementation arm of the Provincial Government.. Read More...
 
ECDC Playing a key role in developmentSince the inception of the R1,3 billion timber project in the Ugie-Malcear district in late 2005, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has been deeply involved as the implementation arm of the Provincial Government.. Read More...