OSS KZN Applauded for Bringing Business Support Services to Far-Flung Areas
The InvestSA One Stop Shop KwaZulu-Natal (KZN OSS) has been applauded for itsinnovative approach to supporting businesses in rural areas through its district roadshows. Housed at Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN), the KZN OSS has been pioneering the district rollout model, with five district one-stop shops already established across the
Recently, the KZN OSS partnered with TIKZN and the Amajuba District Municipality to host a district roadshow in the district north of the provinceThe event brought together various stakeholders, including local government representatives, business owners, investors, and key public sector institutions. The primary objective was to foster collaboration to drive economic growth in the region while addressing some of the key barriers to business success, such as red tape and bureaucratic hurdles.
Bridging the gap
Dumisile Nene, Executive Manager of Corporate Services at TIKZN, highlighted the importance of these roadshows in facilitating dialogue that bridges the gap between the private sector and government. “The goal of these roadshows is to create an environment where both the government and businesses can come together to discuss key issues impacting growth and work towards solutions that promote a healthy business ecosystem,” Nene explained.
At the heart of the discussions was the need to simplify and streamline the business environment in Amajuba, particularly in terms of reducing red tape that hinders growth. Cllr uMtwana Ndabuko Zulu, Mayor of the Amajuba District, emphasised this point, calling for the establishment of a One-Stop-Shop in the district to assist local entrepreneurs who are often bogged down by regulatory complexities. His comments reflected a broader desire for greater government support to foster an environment conducive to business development.
The event’s panel discussions featured several industry experts and thought leaders, including Johan Pieters from the Newcastle KZN Growth Coalition, Andile Mnguni from Dube TradePort, and Zamani Mbatha from the KZN Growth Fund. These experts explored various aspects of Amajuba’s economic potential, particularly its strategic location near major transport hubs, which offers businesses access to both regional and national markets.
Loosening the red tape
Samukelisiwe Biyela, a Newcastle-based entrepreneur and founder of Squeaky Kleen, which manufactures cleaning products, said her biggest challenge was access to markets and compliance. “We definitely need assistance in loosening the red tape around compliance processes so we can participate in the market,” she said. Biyela praised the roadshow initiative, saying it was about time that business development initiatives focus on areas outside of the urban centres.
Fellow entrepreneur Nokwanda Mgadi, founder of Afrotexture Hair, echoed this, saying that while she had successfully marketed her products, gaining clients as far afield as Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Uganda, “It is a challenge getting products to them as we are struggling to obtain compliance for export.”
In response to this, Ndumiso Mlambo, General Manager at TIKZN in charge of the provincial One-Stop Shop, highlighted TIKZN’s commitment to driving economic development through facilitating export opportunities and promoting investments in various sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and services. “We are working hard to position Amajuba and the broader KZN region as a top destination for trade and investment,” Mlambo said. He also acknowledged the call for a district One-Stop Shop in Amajuba, with KZN leading the charge nationally, having established five district One-Stop Shops in the province already.
Local exhibitors also showcased their products at the event, further demonstrating the economic vibrancy and diversity of the region. The roadshow not only provided a platform for businesses to network and explore opportunities but also gave the district a chance to demonstrate its potential to national and international investors.
As the first leg of the Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal District Roadshow, the Amajuba event marked a significant step toward restoring investor confidence in KZN and ensuring that the province can recover and thrive despite the challenges of the recent past. By focusing on cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation, this roadshow set the stage for a more prosperous future, one where businesses and government can work together to unlock the full economic potential of the region.