ECDC beneficiary sparkles at Edgars eventECDC beneficiary sparkles at Edgars event. Read More...
 
ECDC bamboo initiative secures fourth pilot for provinceECDC bamboo initiative secures fourth pilot for province. Read More...
 
ECDC drives more investment, doubles tradeECDC announces its annual results for 2010/2011. Read More...
 
ECDC brings prominent fashion awards to Eastern CapeEastern Cape born designer took the top honours at the 17th annual Vukani Fashion Awards co-sponsored by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and held in East London’s Hemingways Mall recently.. Read More...
 
VWSA entry-level cars top sales as market recoversUitenhage-based OEM says current level of sales last seen in 2007. Read More...
 
First quarter Eastern Cape manufacturing confidence highest in SAThe Eastern Cape recorded the highest manufacturing business confidence in South Africa driven mainly by a high performing transport sector in the first quarter of 2011.. Read More...
 
More Eastern Cape women leaders needed in ICT - former Sentech chiefThe Eastern Cape needs to produce more Mathematics and Science learners from primary school if it is to improve its Information Communication Technology (ICT) competencies and draw more women into the sector.. Read More...
 
EC logistics framework needed for economic growth says new Transnet chiefUniversity of Johannesburg professor says the Eastern Cape is missing trade opportunities because it does not have developed logistics networks that could link it to the country’s economic hubs.. Read More...
 
ECDC's Mase pleased with Gordhan's cut for Eastern CapeEastern Cape gets third largest slice of provincial budgets. Read More...
 
ECDC gives heat to East LondonQueenstown entrepreneur makes his move as ECDC provides financing. Read More...
 
Franchising is good business, says development financier ECDCECDC helps Mthatha entrepreneurs break into Mthatha’s booming franchises. Read More...
 
ECDC gives heat to East LondonTapping into Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) resources has seen Thami Manona’s ice business heat up, now plans are afoot to expand into the rural market within one year of starting.. Read More...
 
Franchising is good business, says development financier ECDCAre you looking for an opportunity to start your own business? Do you think you have the passion and skills to run a successful business? The booming franchise business in the Eastern Cape maybe the opportunity you have been waiting for.. Read More...
 
ECDC's Mase pleased with Gordhan's cut for Eastern CapeEastern Cape receives third largest allocation. Read More...
 
General Motors investments over R500 million in SA plantAfter improving volumes to 32 000 in 2010, the company is gearing to volumes to 50 000 for 2011.. Read More...
 
Best Business School goes to RhodesGrahamstown University takes the honours in Eduniversal's 2010 business school rankings. Read More...
 
Infrastructure underdevelopment threat to Eastern Cape’s agro-processing sectorECDC unpacks the challenges of infrastructure in the province as its plans to diversify from the automotive sector. Read More...
 
ECDC support for SMMEs soarsAn additional 107 small medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) received direct financial support from provincial development financier, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), from 800 last year to 907 in 2009/2010.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape SMMEs feel the impact of ECDC supportOnke Mankahla, a partner in three Debonairs franchises in Mthatha, is one of the budding youth entrepreneurs financed by ECDC in 2009/2010. . Read More...
 
Another PE casino in expansion plansEmfuleni Resorts, together with its partners Sun International and Zonwabise Resort Holdings, are to invest R1-billion into building a new five-star hotel, an international standard convention centre and a adding a new casino at the Boardwalk in Port Elizabeth.. Read More...
 
Stellenbosch University’s outreach programme launched in the Eastern CapeThe HOPE Project of Stellenbosch University (SU) offers alumni various opportunities of supporting their alma mater and helping to address South Africa’s problems. . Read More...
 
Ngqura container terminal gears up for further growthThe Ngqura Container Terminal (NCT), which celebrated its first anniversary in October 2010, is undergoing expansion of its berth facilities. . Read More...
 
Eastern Cape women finalists feature strongly in entrepreneur competitionEastern Cape business women are holding their own in male dominated sectors such as construction, information and communications technology and the green industries, says SMME Business LaunchPad Competition on the announcement of the province’s finalists.. Read More...
 
EC film wins award at festivalSouth African film Themba: A Boy Called Hope, directed by Pretoria-born Stefanie Sycholt, has scooped the Unicef Child Rights Award at the 2010 Zanzibar International Film Festival (Ziff). . Read More...
 
Elephant park celebrates 79 years with expansionThe Addo Elephant National Park took a giant step forward yesterday, lowering the southern fence between the old and new sections of the park and opening the way for its burgeoning jumbo herd to return to their ancestral home.. Read More...
 
Automotive parks for micro-franchises way of future says AIDCGrant Minnie, Supply Chain Development Senior Project Manager of the AIDC, who completed unique research into the informal automotive sector, maintains that cities would promote new business opportunities by implementing such a business zone, mainly for the aftermarket, and build a bridge between the formal and informal sectors of the economy.. Read More...
 
Women drive operations in PE terminalsThe days when ports used to be a man’s world are slowly diminishing as women at Transnet Port Terminals’ Port Elizabeth terminal assume key positions in this previously male dominated maritime environment.. Read More...
 
Explore export opportunities, entrepreneurs toldQueenstown entrepreneurs told of African opportunities. Read More...
 
ECDC honours 10 top Eastern Cape womenECDC s celebrates Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet and director-general Dr Sibongile Muthwa, amongst others. Read More...
 
IBM sends specialist team to help economic institutions become more efficientFirst-time visit for global IT company contingent. Read More...
 
Former Transkei produces bumper cropAsgiSA Eastern Cape’s Saphukanduku village near Mount Frere crop outstrips national average.. 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...
 
AsgiSA EC harvest provides jobs for localsRural development agency AsgiSA Eastern Cape (EC) says it expects a 150 ton yield from the soya bean harvest underway in Nqadu Transkei.. Read More...
 
Uitenhage-based OEM scores state subsidiesInvestments of more than R5-billion by Volkswagen SA in Uitenhage have been approved by the government, meaning they will qualify for state subsidies. . 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...
 
BPO&O means more jobs for ECThe Eastern Cape has been identified as one of the ideal business process outsourcing centres in South Africa, which means more jobs for locals.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape positions itself as hazelnut hubQueenstown grows its first 24 hectares of hazelnuts for confectionary giant. 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...
 
Not all doom and gloom for retrenched workersAutomotive industry workers recently retrenched in the Eastern Cape are now receiving training General Motors SA has announced.. Read More...
 
Rural development pilot a successThe communities of Tsolo and Qumbu villages roundly applauded the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the provincial government during the recent visits to the rural development pilot sites.. 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...
 
EC unlocks tourism potentialInvestments pour into one of the Eastern Cape’s most profitable sector. 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...
 
Over R100m injection for Transkei cropping projectThe Eastern Cape Provincial Government’s special purpose vehicle AsgiSA Eastern Cape (EC) is about to double its dry land cropping footprint in the former Transkei from 6,700 hectares to 12,000 hectares this planting season.. Read More...
 
Coega to pilot toolmaker training programme in JanuaryThe first tool, die and mould (TDM) preapprentice orientation programme, which formed part of measures to deal with the “drastic” skills shortage in the TDM sector – a key support sector for South Africa’s manufacturing industry – would be launched at seven pilot sites across the country in January.. Read More...
 
ECDC move from traditional to contract based finance pays dividendsEastern Cape business follows global move to microfinance. Read More...
 
Department Awards R24 million rand of housing projects to emerging contractorsEmerging contractors lead the charge in housing construction in Fort Beautfort and Grahamstown.. 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 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...
 
IT’S ALL SYSTEMS GO AT PORT OF NGQURAThose who occupied special vantage points today at the new deepwater Port of Ngqura in South Africa witnessed history in the making, as the 300 metre long, 13 metre deep MSC Catania sailed into the port to become the Ngqura container terminal’s first commercial vessel. . 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 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 site of successful water-neutral schemeThe World Wide Fund for nature (WWF) and government’s Working for Water (WfW) programme launched a fully quantitative water neutral scheme, and has achieved significant results at the South African Breweries (SAB) pilot project site in the Eastern Cape. . Read More...
 
Nelson Mandela Bay’s one of world'’s most intelligent communitiesThe Eastern Cape's Nelson Mandela Bay municipality has made it onto the 2009 list of the world’s 21 most intelligent communities. The list is issued annually by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) on the basis of a community's capacity in and innovative use of broadband.. Read More...
 
EC dairy farm success at university townWith its rolling green fields, fat dairy cows and state-of-the-art milking enclosure, the Fort Hare Dairy Trust outside the Eastern Cape university town of Alice could easily be a shining symbol of how successful land reform could be in SA. . Read More...
 
Coaches boom for EC passenger train serviceKei Rail will transport 464 passengers in comfort between Mthatha and East London, and be linked to the Johannesburg/East London service. . 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...
 
Export coup for VWSA with 6,000 motor car orderVWSA says that over 40 per cent of its total planned production will be exported. . Read More...
 
Study proves AIDC has helped auto sectorEstablished to assist in increasing the global competitiveness of the South African automotive industry, the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) has demonstrated its positive socioeconomic effect on its key focus areas.. Read More...
 
NGQURA CONTAINER TERMINAL GAINING MOMENTUMA combination of expert management and state-of-the-art equipment could see Ngqura container terminal (NCT) in South Africa positioning itself as a major container hub for sub-Saharan Africa. So says Transnet Port Terminals’ Chief of Operations, Solly Letsoalo.. Read More...
 
EC bumps up investment in Coega ASPThe Coega Development Corporation has been allocated “additional resources” for the further development of the automotive supplier park in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape Premier Mbulelo Sogoni said in his state of the province address.. Read More...
 
Four communities lead crop charge in former TranskeiThe planting of 6,000 hectares of maize, using land last cultivated 20 years ago, is helping to improve food security for the communities of Alfred Nzo, OR Tambo, Chris Hani and Amathole districts.. Read More...
 
Bay accommodation nears 2010 deadlineTime is running out for graded accommodation establishments in Nelson Mandela Bay as the deadline to sign up for 2010 World Cup Matchville status approaches.. Read More...
 
Dutch success for Eden tourismTourism officials in Eden were upbeat yesterday at the close of the Vakantiebeurs Leisure Tourism Show in the Netherlands, where they advertised the delights of the Garden Route and surrounds last week.. Read More...
 
East London IDZ’s investors tally grows to 21Seven new investors with investors worth R239 million have signed up with the Eastern Cape’s second IDZ.. Read More...
 
AsgiSA Eastern Cape shows off its implementation credentialsHigh impact priority projects in former Transkei take shape. Eleven months since the appointment of the AsgiSA Eastern Cape CEO, the organisation has made significant progress and is now only days away from full steam implementation of one of six high impact priority projects says AsgiSA Eastern Cape (EC) chairman Saki Macozoma. . 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 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...
 
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...
 
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...
 
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...
 
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...
 
Next step for East London IDZ – an OEMThe East London Industrial Development Zone (Elidz), which totals 430ha, is in full operational mode with 14 of its 15 announced investors operating — the highest number of operational investors for a single IDZ in South Africa. . Read More...
 
City’s auto, manufacturing sectors shaping city’s successThe Nelson Mandela Bay economy contributes roughly 40% of the Eastern Cape’s GDP, thanks largely to the automotive and manufacturing sectors in Port Elizabeth. According to big business, the city and Coega Development Corporation are playing their part in ensuring a smooth ride for industry. . Read More...
 
The black book keeps growingThe University of Fort Hare has been accredited, producing its first CAs this year and the growing the overall number in South Africa. . Read More...
 
Rio says ‘powered’ Coega aluminium smelter still viableRio Tinto’s CEO still “all for” a viable opportunity at Coega. . 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...
 
Absa announces first contact centre at CoegaOne of South Africa’s biggest banks officially opened a contact centre at the Coega Industrial Development Zone today (Monday 4 August), creating 94 new jobs for people in economically depressed areas located close to the site.. Read More...
 
Auto sector may set 1st trade surplus record soonExports of vehicles and components could reach R100-billion this year. South Africa's automotive industry may boast a positive trade balance for the first time since 1995. . Read More...
 
EC towns could show off true lineageTranche of new names on the cards after public hearings. . 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...
 
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...
 
Coega hopes to sign ten investors this year after smelter setbackThe Nelson Mandela Bay IDZ’s now broadening the industrial/manufacturing base, establishing an export and transshipment hub service to the continent, creating jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities. In its quest to attract investments, the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) has changed its strategy to suit local companies. . Read More...
 
Auto components exports accelerateNAACAM says local OEMs are rising to the challenge of the local market slowing. South African car exports this year are expected to increase by 50% more than last year, with the component production for locally produced vehicles increasing in tandem, says National Association of Automotive Components and Allied Manufacturer's (Naacam's) Executive Director, Roger Pitot. . 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...
 
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...
 
MBSA is East London IDZ’s new tenantLocal OEM manufacturer 95,000 square metres sites includes vehicle washing, inspection bays, a loading area for nine carrier vehicles as well as over 3,000 covered and uncovered bays.. Read More...
 
Two biofuel plants for Eastern CapeEastern Cape’s fragile agricultural sector is getting a boost, thanks to the province’s plans to construct two biofuel plants that will create a massive market for the region’s farmers.. Read More...
 
No fish-out-of-water ideas for Karoo farmAn Eastern Cape company is planning to farm fish in the middle of South Africa's hot and mainly dry Great Karoo.. 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 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...