60 DELIVERY BUSINESS OWNERS CREATED TO DATE THROUGH ECDC/KASI DELIVERY PARTNERHSIP

June 16, 2026: Ten unemployed young people from the OR Tambo District Municipality today became delivery business owners after receiving 10 motorcycles and accessories valued at R386,470 from Eastern Cape MEC for Finance, Mlungisi Mvoko during the provincial Youth Day celebrations at the eMaxesibeni (Mount Ayliff) Police Grounds in the Alfred Nzo District Municipality.

The latest handover brings to 60 the number of motorcycles distributed to unemployed youth across the Eastern Cape who are now operating their own delivery businesses. The initiative is driven by Gqeberha-based delivery company Kasi Delivery in partnership with the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC).

“The Kasi Delivery Enterprise Development Programme was launched after Kasi Delivery approached the ECDC to collaborate on a solution aimed at helping unemployed young people from township communities establish their own delivery businesses. Kasi Delivery was experiencing growing demand for its services and identified youth entrepreneurship as a sustainable way to expand opportunities while addressing unemployment.

“The programme has since expanded across the province, with 40 motorcycles handed over to unemployed youth in Gqeberha townships, 10 in Mdantsane in Buffalo City Metro, and a further 10 today in Mthatha.

“The motorcycles are provided together with carrier boxes, helmets, health and safety training, and one year of insurance cover to help participants launch their businesses. Importantly, the motorcycles are registered in the beneficiaries’ names,” said ECDC Acting Chief Executive Officer Lionel Billings.

Billings said the most meaningful way to honour the legacy of the youth of 1976 is to create opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in the economy.

“Every business supported today represents an investment in a young entrepreneur who has chosen to create opportunities, build a sustainable livelihood and contribute to the economic growth of the Eastern Cape,” he said.

Kasi Delivery has also invested its own resources to assist beneficiaries in obtaining motorcycle learner’s licences and driver’s licences.

Kasi Delivery Head of Operations Theo Gora said the company was founded in 2018 to address unemployment in township communities and create opportunities for young people to participate in the growing delivery and logistics sector.

“Since 2020, we have trained more than 150 young people across Buffalo City Metro, 50 in Nelson Mandela Bay, and most recently 10 in the OR Tambo District Municipality. Participants receive learner’s licences, driving skills training and business readiness support.

“Through our partnership with the ECDC, we have been able to provide motorcycles, protective gear and smartphones, enabling young people to enter the market immediately and begin earning an income as soon as they receive their motorcycles.

“The 10 beneficiaries receiving motorcycles today are fully licensed, trained and ready to work. Our mission is to expand this model to townships across the Eastern Cape and create even more opportunities for young people through strategic partnerships with major delivery platforms,” said Gora.

One of the beneficiaries, Siyamtanda Dlengane from Mthatha, said the training and support he received had provided him with confidence, practical skills and a pathway into the economy.

“Opportunities like this do not come around often, and I am grateful to be one of the beneficiaries. My hope is that this opportunity will not only change my life, but also enable me to create opportunities and inspire other young people in my community,” said Dlengane.

Fellow beneficiary Asanda Gcuma described receiving a motorcycle as a life-changing opportunity for herself and her family.

“As the only person currently able to work and generate an income in my household, this support gives me the opportunity to provide for my family and assist my mother, who is living with a permanent injury. Obtaining my learner’s licence, driver’s licence and now receiving a motorcycle has opened a door that once seemed out of reach. I am excited to start working and building a better future for my family,” said Gcuma.

ENDS

For ECDC media relations

Lunga Mtshizana

Pivot Communication

C. 073 365 2366 

E. lunga@pivotcommunication.co.za