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...
 
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...
 
Matatiele to stay in E CapeMatatiele will stay in the Eastern Cape following a Constitutional Court ruling on Wednesday that the legislation used to transfer it from KwaZulu-Natal was not unconstitutional. . Read More...
 
AsgiSA EC comments on the budgetAsgiSA Eastern Cape (EC) chief executive officer Simpiwe Somdyala has described the national budget speech by finance minister Pravin Gordhan as “positive and pragmatic.”. 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 is heading out of recession first says leading economistThe Eastern Cape is poised to make a comeback from the recession that ravaged the province last year, with economic indicators painting a positive picture for the year ahead.. 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...
 
Coega’s refinery now closer to approvalIn a major boost for Eastern Cape jobs, the R66-billion oil refinery project at Coega has taken a step closer to approval.. Read More...
 
Future in hands of locals says economistsAmple hope and the possibilities of a better economy remain in the hands of Eastern Cape residents as their province is rich with land and manufacturing activity, speakers at the Eastern Cape Economic Outlook Symposium 2010 said yesterday.. 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...
 
EC to get SA’s biggest desalination plantEC to improve its water supply through seawater desalination plant upgrade. Read More...
 
New tractor factory to create 150 jobsIn an early 2010 boost for the Eastern Cape, an agreement between an Eastern European industrial nation and South African organisations is set to result in a tractor factory being built at Coega.. Read More...
 
News locally made VW Polo gets introducedVolkswagen SA expects to double its export figures with the introduction of the new range to 55 000 this year.. 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...
 
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...
 
EC agency explores maize milling businessAsgiSA Eastern Cape (EC) has set aside R7 million for the construction of silos at strategic sites in the former Transkei, an investment it believes will up further opportunities like in the area of milling.. Read More...
 
EC rail links due for R753m investmentTransnet will spend R753-million on railways in the Eastern Cape over the next five years, Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan has told the National Council of Provinces.. 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...
 
Coega strategic unit starts strongFour month old secures four clients including two IDZs. . Read More...
 
New season for PE metroZanoxolo Wayile appointed Mayor of Nelson Mandela Metro . Read More...
 
VWSA scores big in Polo export contractLate 2009 order should grow to 55 000 next week with the local content close to doubling to 70%. 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...
 
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 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...
 
IDZ collaboration shows up thousands of IT opportunitiesThe Buffalo City-based IDZ held conference to showcase a sample of the more than 8000 international patents and commercial opportunities available for application in South Africa. East London businesses were this week given insights into opportunities in cutting-edge technologies developed in Taiwan. . Read More...
 
Mthatha’s tourist centre gets underwayA multimillion rand state-of- the-art tourism centre will soon be opened in Mthatha to assist local and international visitors.. Read More...
 
Study to fast-track forestry ramp-up in former TranskeiThe identification of 100,000 hectares of land for new forestry plantations in the Eastern Cape is being fast-tracked through a landmark biodiversity study which will help focus on areas of relatively low biodiversity value and substantially reduce the ordinarily lengthy license approval process.. Read More...
 
Damsane celebrates 10 years with TPT promotionTransnet Port Terminals (TPT) former GM of sales, logistics and commercial Nosipho Damasane, has been appointed to succeed Solly Letsoalo as COO from October 1.. 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...
 
Japan’s auto recovery signals hope for EC’s sectorJapan may be in another hemisphere, but its first signs of economic growth since being ravaged by the world-wide recession may impact positively on the Eastern Cape, especially on the province’s vital motor components industry.. Read More...
 
VW aims to raise local content to 70%As part of Volkswagen of South Africa’s (VWSA’s) initiative to achieve 70% local content on the vehicles produced at its Uitenhage plant, in the Eastern Cape, the company invested R5,6-million investment in a body-panel washing machine. . Read More...
 
R25 million boost for women of the Eastern CapeWomen cooperatives equalling to 50 in the Eastern Cape have received a financial boost from the Department of Social Development.. Read More...
 
Go-ahead for Wild Coast Sun licenceThe Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board has finally approved the extension of Sun International ’s gaming licence at the Wild Coast Sun for another 10 years, it was announced yesterday.. Read More...
 
Property booms on Wild Coast property boomWhile the South African property market is in the throes of a major decline in values, the Eastern Cape‘s pristine Wild Coast is experiencing an unprecedented property boom.. Read More...
 
Empowerment high on the East London IDZ agendaForth right comments from Bheki Sibiya who encourages black entrepreneurs to ‘travel the road less travelled’ and to seek new skills. “If we want to grow and be where we want to be we need to invest in the skills develop pillar on BBBEE.. 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...
 
PetroSA Coega refinery to ease power shortageProject could generate up to 600 MW of extra power which could sold off to local industry and communities.. Read More...
 
St Francis Bay nuclear power plant in Eskom roll-out plansEskom has outlined tentative dates for a renewed roll-out of nuclear power stations, proposing to start preparing the first of three sites as early as January 2011.. Read More...
 
Shamwari scores another awardThe Eastern Cape nature reserve recognized for its environmental efforts. . 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...
 
Thousands of jobs to be created by R3 billion infrastructure planThe Eastern Cape is gearing up for an infrastructure plan that aims to contribute to the provinces’ economic growth and development and also create a significant number of jobs in the rural communities.. Read More...
 
RI and Forbes magazine give Goodyear top honorsThe Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has – for the second year in a row – been recognized as America’s most respected automotive company by the Reputation Institute (RI) and Forbes magazine. The list, which was released on www.forbes.com, is based on the results RI’s Global Pulse consumer opinion survey, which measures the overall respect, trust, esteem, admiration and good feelings consumers hold toward the world’s largest companies. . 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...
 
New head for Siwisa for EmfuleniBoardwalk Casino and Fish River Sun chairman upbeat about EC operations. A woman described as having a “passion for the community” has been appointed new chairman of the province‘s biggest gambling operation, Emfuleni Resorts announced yesterday. . 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...
 
Coega refinery to cut SA’s fuel import bill by billionsThe proposed 400 000-bl/d crude oil refinery PetroSA is planning to build at Coega in the Eastern Cape, could have a positive impact on South Africa’s current account balance, Minerals and Energy Minister Buyelwa Sonjica said on Tuesday . 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...
 
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...
 
EC farmers need more rainAlthough weekend rain has brought relief to some drought- stricken towns in the Eastern Cape, others have not yet had significant rainfall.. Read More...
 
24 September is Hemingways Mall’s big dayNew mall said to be the “biggest mail in the Eastern Cape”. . Read More...
 
Mthatha airport set for completion next yearAirport’s multi-million upgrade to include a host of new facilities.. Read More...
 
E Cape bioethanol plant to start next yearConstruction of a large-scale 90-million-litres bioethanol production facility is expected to start in the second quarter of next year, a Central Energy Fund (CEF) official said on Friday. . 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...
 
Eastern Cape takes robust approach to investment promotionCEO Mxolisi Matshamba shares the corporation’s thinking on promoting the province in the current economic climate. Like all investment promotion agencies across the world, current negative market sentiment has also challenged the Eastern Cape. Furthermore, previous incentives like low electricity and labour rates have also been lessened over time. . 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...
 
New tourism horizons for the Eastern Cape lure investorsCEO Mxolisi Matshamba says that one of the most exciting sectors for the Eastern Cape, both pre and post World Cup, is tourism.. 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...
 
Mercedes-Benz’s SA positive about exports despite two “extreme” monthsLocal plant has produced 50,000 units of the new C-class with plant manager confident that plant will remain busy. . Read More...
 
R3 bn for VWSA’s E Cape manufacturing plantInvestment includes new production technology in body and vehicle assembly operations as well as new engine manufacturing strategy.. 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...
 
R60m airport upgrade for MthathaThe Eastern Cape provincial government on Friday handed the Mthatha airport site over to contractors for the start of a R60-million upgrade.. Read More...