MEDIA RELEASE: GQEBERHA YOUTH GET A HEAD START WITH KASI DELIVERY EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME

6 August 2025 

On Tuesday, 5 August 2025, 20 unemployed young people officially became delivery business owners.

The MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), Nonkqubela Pieters, handed over 20 motorbikes with accessories valued at R684 000 at Veeplaas Community Hall, thanks to the Kasi Delivery Youth Empowerment Programme, implemented in partnership with government.

In collaboration with the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), an entity of DEDEAT and local start-up Kasi Delivery, this initiative is empowering youth from Gqeberha’s townships to build their own businesses and take charge of their futures.

Of the 40 beneficiaries supported by the programme to date, 37 are young people under the age of 35 and 17 are women.

Among the new business owners are Ms Tandokazi Nkosana, a former student at Lovedale TVET College, and Mr Amkela Xosana, who studied at Ikhala TVET College. They both shared how the programme has changed their lives.

“This opportunity has opened doors for me,” said Ms Nkosana. “I’ve learned how to manage a business, serve customers professionally and now I have a source of income, something I didn’t have before. There is no other viable income at home, so what I earn now helps provide for my family as well.

Mr Xosana echoed this sentiment, saying, “We didn’t just receive bikes, we received skills, confidence, and a fresh start. I can now drive safely, interact with clients and think like an entrepreneur. I’m truly grateful for this chance to change my life.

Speaking during the handover, MEC Pieters expressed pride in marking another important milestone in government’s ongoing efforts to grow the township economy and create opportunities for young people.

“This moment is not only about handing over equipment; it is about restoring hope, unlocking potential, and setting our young people on a path towards sustainable self-employment and dignity,” added Pieters.

Eastern Cape Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer Ayanda Wakaba says the Kasi Delivery Enterprise Development Programme is one of the important elements to developing a growing, diversifying, inclusive and robust Eastern Cape economy. 

“The competitiveness and sustainability of these entrepreneurs will contribute to the socio-economic development of the Eastern Cape. These initiatives are crucial for stimulating employment and growth in the province as we deal with the challenges of a technical recession confronting the Eastern Cape,” Wakaba says.

This latest handover, which brings the total value of government support to R1,4 million, follows the successful onboarding of previous intakes. It is in line with MEC Pieters’ commitment to broaden support and unlock opportunities for more young people and aspiring township entrepreneurs.