HGDA Newsletter Vol1 2024

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4 5 7-20

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Editorial Note

Message from the Chairperson

HGDA Board of Directors

Message from the CEO

Meet our HGDA Team

Reflecting at Programmes 2023 at a Glance

ACCRONOMYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

HGDA : Harry Gwala Development Agency (Pty) Ltd

CEO : Chief Executive Officer

HGDM : Harry Gwala District Muncipality

TIKZN : Trade and Investment KwaZulu Natal

MKI : Moses Kotane Institute

OSS : One Stop Shop

EDF : Enterprise Development Fund

CTO : Community Tourism Organisation

NSFAS : National Skills Financial Aid System

NYDA : National Youth Development Agency

SCM

EDITORIAL NOTE

It is a privilege to be reflecting on the eventful year as the Harry Gwala Development Agency (PTY) LTD, through the first publication of this Newsletter “A Year in Reflection”

Before we reflect, allow us to introduce ourselves as the Editorial Team of the Harry Gwala Development Agency Newsletter. Together we are better known in the tourism space as Tourism Practitioners Our passion for marketing the District has birthed the compilation of this publication, which we envisage will be mirrored in our efforts

This first volume will provide an inside look into the Agency, its strategic partners and programs that have taken place over the municipal year. Let us reflect together in the journey that the Agency has travelled

“Unity

Regards:

Siphokazi Mafongosi & Ntando Mbele Editorial Team:

amwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved ”

-Mattie Stepanek-

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON

As we embark on this journey , I am honoured to address you as the Chairperson of the Harry Gwala Development Agency Board.

Our collective vision to foster sustainable development and upliftment within our communities is both inspiring and vital

First and foremost, I wish to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to governance excellence. The principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity will continue to guide our actions as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. Upholding the highest standards of governance ensures that our operations are conducted ethically and effectively, thereby safeguarding the trust and confidence of all stakeholders

Attracting and retaining investment remains at the heart of our mandate We recognize the importance of economic growth through investment and we aim to create meaningful impact and improve the quality of life for all residents within the Harry Gwala District.

Our focus extends beyond the present to embrace the future needs and aspirations of our region Through strategic planning and collaboration, we endeavor to foster innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth. Embracing emerging trends and harnessing the potential of technology will enable us to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

In closing, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence, equity, and empowerment By working together with purpose and passion, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve Regards, Board Chairperson: Harry Gwala Development Agency MS S B DLUNGWANE

The Harry Gwala Development Agency (HGDA) is a special purpose vehicle mandated to manage and implement development projects within the Harry Gwala District Municipality (HGDM),

V I S I O N

“ A POLYCENTRIC RESOUCE ABUDANT INVESTMENT GATEWAY WITH ABSOLUTE TRANSFORMATIVE REGIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT BY 2063"

M I S S I O N

“TO DELIVER WITH INTEGRITY, PROACTIVITY AND RESPONSIVENESS, A PLATFORM FOR THE SHARED GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF HARRY GWALA DISTRICT”

Polycentric: nodal development across HGDM responsive to the Eastern Seaboard and catalytic projects

Resource Abundant: natural resources (water, air, landscape, energy) inclusive of human resource development / skilled workforce

Investment: GKM economic hub, investment potential, abundance of land – need to create different areas of growth in varied or specific economic sectors

Gateway: Into KZN from Eastern Cape and into the Republic from the Kingdom of Lesotho

Transformative regional growth and development: addressing spatial divide through cluster development with foci on rural development and integration.

2063: Long term development due to magnitude of projects – aligned to African Union Agenda to advance development into SADC

HGDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AREA OF SPECIALITY: AUDITING

AREA OF SPECIALITY: LAW

MS S B DLUNGWANE AREA OF SPECIALITY: CHARTERED ACCOUNTAN

MS P NZIMAKWE

MR S I MBHELE

MR B M MHLONGO FINANCE & COMMERCE

MR S MABASO

AREA OF SPECIALITY: LOCAL GOVERNMENT

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Having taken the realm in July 2022, together with existing officials and ones who have joined us in our journey, we have reaffirmed our commitment to not only foci on catalytic projects but also to ensure that we make a meaningful impact at socio-economic levels.

Notwithstanding reputational damage, we are most proud of the collaborative efforts of the Board led by Ms. Dlungwane and all officials of the Agency. We invite you to journey with us to “A District Reimagined”

Ms. A C R Whyte CEO : HGDA

MEET OUR HGDA TEAM

FINANCE

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

REFLECTING ON PROGRAMMES

2023 At a Glance.

The Mayoral Golf Day

The Mayoral Golf Day, a prelude to the Investment Summit was held on the 04th of March 2023 at the Greater Kokstad Golf Course. Setting the stage for fruitful collaborations and discussions aimed at fostering economic growth and development

With more than 60 golfers in attendance from various golf clubs in and outside of the district bounds, participants engaged in conversation, exchanged ideas and insights on how best to leverage on the region’s resources and potential.

Moreover, the event provided a platform for stakeholders to showcase the regions untapped potential and investment opportunities

With each swing of the golf club and each handshake exchanged, the Mayoral Golf Day stands as a beacon of inspiration, igniting the flames of possibility and charting a course towards a brighter future for the Harry Gwala District.

Harry Gwala District Mayor Cllr. Z.D

Nxumalo at the Greater Kokstad Golf Course.

DISCUSSIONS BEYOND THE GREEN TO SEAL PARTNERSHIPS.

SPIN AND STANCE BASH

In a breathtaking display of automotive acrobats, The Harry Gwala Development Agency in association with KD’s Street Crew hosted the Spin and Stance Bash, held in Kostad on the 03rd of June 2023 Taking the local motorsport scene to new heights. the event, not only showcased motorsport, however its unique appeal attracted a diverse audience that ranged from hardcore motorsport fans to families looking for an exhilarating day out.

The collaboration between KD’s Crew and the HGDA was instrumental in ensuring the events success, highlighting the potential of public private partnerships in driving local tourism and economic development. The event offered local vendors and entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, directly benefiting the local economy Moreover, the event served as a catalyst for further investments in local tourism infrastructure, encouraging the private sector to explore new avenues for attracting visitors and enhancing visitor experience. The success of the Spin and Stance event underscored the untapped potential of niche tourism markets and the importance of innovative events in diversifying and enriching tourism offerings

IMPORTANCE OF PARTNERSHIPS

Pictured above are the strategic partners of the Agency

PARTNERSHIPS THAT WORK.

TRADE AND INVESTMENT KZN:

Collaborations on the HG One Stop Shop, Established and launched on 06 June 2023

MOSES KOTANE INSTITUTE :

Establishment of the Techno Hub – To date training of 30 Youth in digital economy

DTIC, DSBD, MISA AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS:

On the implementation of the Eastern Seaboard Development, industrial development, SMME support

SUMITOMO-DUNLOP:

Establishment of tyre fitment centres 4 x Tyre Fitment containers in all four local municipalities

ADNOTES and CSIR:

HGDA premises are now a Free Wi-fi zone (operational)

NYDA: Facilitates access to business trainings, mentorship, funding and market linkage to youth in business

SIMAMA NPO / CAREERS:

Assistance with Career guidance, tertiary institution and NSFAS applications

BYTEFLOW / G2 COMMUNICATIONS: Establishment of Call Centre – currently employing 34 youth – partnership with NARYSEC for additional 15 and commitment with Byteflow to add 15 bring the total to 64 by February 2024

MCD / PHAMBILI ENERGY SOUTH: AFRICA:

Biomass Factory – Donnybrook

One Stop Shop

The Harry Gwala District One Stop Shop serves its second quarter after the successful launch in June 2023. It has been operational for more than 6 months, serving as an enabler to local businesses to gain access to the economic, regulatory, legal and compliance environment as well as investment facilitation. It accommodates services from Trade and Investment KwaZulu Natal and other entities that provides various services and products

Services offered at the One Stop Shop include:

Business registration, annual returns and company amendments

SARS Tax compliance pins, e-filling profiles and tax number National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) application, Enable accessibility to departments/entities (Ithala, Tourism Grading Council, Food Safety Agency and more)

Facilitate access to business opportunities.

We invite you to contact us to facilitate your business needs:

Harry Gwala District One Stop Shop launched by MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr. Siboniso Duma and Harry Gwala District Deputy Mayor, CLLR T. N Jojozi

Harry Gwala Techno Hub

The Harry Gwala Development Agency Techno Hub is poised to accelerate economic prosperity in the region. The facility has been launched as a product of a partnership agreement featuring the Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Moses Kotane Institute.

The Objectives of the Techno Hub include:

Enabling access to information and infrastructure for skills development

Promoting technology and innovation related activities in townships and rural areas,

Providing world class infrastructure in an environment that will promote social and business interaction,

Enhancing innovation support for entrepreneurs and innovators in the rural and township areas and also

Developing business activities that will add value to stakeholders.

The strategic partnership between the Agency and Moses Kotane Institute has resulted in access to technology by providing technological training to 151 young people throughout the Harry Gwala District from the time of the Techno Hub’s establishment and launch.

Harry Gwala Techno Hub

launched by MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr. Siboniso Duma

MKI CEO and CFO with HGDA CEO and CFO planning for the Techno Hub

Adnotes CEO, MKI CEO, CEO and Prof Luzango CSIR establishment of Cell Phone Tower

LEMVELO COSMETIC PRODUCT LAUNCH.

The Harry Gwala Development Agency hosted the Product Handover and Project Launch of Lemvelo Body Lotion and Body Massage Oil. In attendance stakeholders present included the Department of Science and Innovation, Technology and Innovation Agency (TIA) and the Council for Science and Industrial Research (CSIR)

The Lemvelo Cosmetic Product is the brainchild of DMT Cooperative nestled within Umzimkhulu, having developed the cosmetic line from Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolen), the product stems as a true testament to the transformative power of community driven initiatives

Lemvelo Cosmetic Product Launch : DMT Cooperative, HGDA CEO, Department of Science and Innovation, CSIR and TIA

ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT FUND

The Harry Gwala Development Agency (HGDA) launched the Enterprise Development Fund (EDF), to provide funding support to small enterprises (SMME’s and Cooperatives) across priority sectors of the economy.

The EDF was divided into two (2) phases and its objective cemented to support projects which contribute to economic development, through the creation and retention of jobs and to provide evidence of sustainability, building local partnership groups, alignment of projects with economic development opportunities in the area and to exploit local competitive advantage through providing equity funding for projects that could result in one or more of the following:

Sustainable job creation

Poverty reduction specifically among historically disadvantaged individuals

Generation of additional sources of income

Securing better quality of life in communities in the context of socioeconomic development through improving local economic and social infrastructure

Mr S Duma, CLLR T N Jojozi, Deputy Mayor of Umzimkhulu Local Municipality, CLLR B Lukhakhayi and Mayor of Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality, CLLR E B Ngubo

HARRY GWALA INVESTMENT SUMMIT

The HGDA hosted a successful investment summit on 07 June 2023 under the theme of “a re-imagined District”. The purposes of the Summit were to derive the following successful outcomes:

To provide solutions to business, private investment and community identified challenges

Presentation of Catalytic Projects

Signing of the Social Compact

Strengthening partnerships – KZN Growth Fund, Durban Chamber of Commerce and TIKZN

The attendees were Potential Investors Business fraternity (formal), key role players in economic development and investment promotion

Harry Gwala District Mayor Cllr. Z.D Nxumalo delivering the Key Note Address at the Investment Summit

RESOLUTIONS FROM THE INVESTMENT SUMMIT.

On the Eastern Seaboard Development: Finalisation of the RSDF and Renewal Energy Masterplan, the studies are being used to develop business plans especially for solar and wind generated energy (Draft Green Economy Strategy, Development of Infrastructure Masterplan in progress.

ON POLICY LINKAGES: IDP and Growth and Development Strategy that promotes partnerships and encourage diversification (e.g., benefit of agriprocessing throughout the entire value-chain, tourism, manufacture and aquaculture as other sectors for development); small business development prioritized and economic planning using spatial development frameworks, value chains, development corridors and the green economy

RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Exploring socio-economic opportunities.

·Opportunities that exist in the regional and local context (see key sectors)

·Planning and development towards investment in small town (industrialization and formalization)

·Access to land: Agriculture, agri-processing, manufacturing

·Opportunities in the Green Economy

RADICAL ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION: Opportunities and programmes towards accelerating economic development.

•RASET / Operation VULA

•Black Industrialists Programme

•Rural / Township revitalization

•Small Business and targeted sector development

•Economic growth for employment creation

•Facilitating the strengthening of informal economy – transitioning from survivalists

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING: Accelerating youth and sector specific economic empowerment through skills development and innovation

•Skills Transfer / Capacity Building incl Mentorship

•Poverty Alleviation – Government responsive programmes

•Access to Markets

•Unemployed Graduate Initiative

WOMEN IN BUSINESS SERMINAR

In celebrating Women’s Month and commemorating the significant role of women in society, The Harry Gwala Development Agency hosted a two days Women in businesses seminar on 23 and 24 August 2023 under the theme: “Pitch your success”

The purpose of the seminar was to afford women within the Harry Gwala District support in their entrepreneurial endeavours. Under the theme “Pitch your Success”, women from all economic sectors pitched their business to a panel of judges.

25 businesses attended the pitch and only 4 were recommended claiming the following positions and value of support towards their businesses. These included:

1st : NM Squeeky Cleaners (support to the value of R120 000)

2nd : Anaso Trading (support to the value of R80 000)

3rd : uMnisi Agri (support to the value of R50 000)

4th : Blac Distinxion (support to the value of R25 000)

Women in Business at the Seminar

RURAL SCHOOLS VISITATION CAMPAIGN

His Worship the Mayor of Harry Gwala District Municipality, Cllr Z D Nxumalo, on 30 September 2023 embarked on a campaign of visiting rural schools within the district It is on this campaign that school uniforms were donated as part of an initiative to encourage learners to focus and resist any distraction that could hinder their success at school.

The Mayor visited UMzimkhulu, Ubuhlebezwe, Kokstad and Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Local Municipalities A total amount of R100 000 was allocated for the school uniforms drive and each school visited received uniforms worth R25 000. The following schools were visited:

Summerfield Primary School

Nomzamo Primary School

Sangcwabe Primary School

Ngcesheni Primary School

The Harry Gwala District Mayor was accompanied by Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr. E B Ngubo, the Speaker of Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Local Municipality, Cllr. S Phoswa and Kokstad businessman, Mr M Ndongeni of Masiqhame Trading 22

RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMUNITY TOURISM ORGANISTIONS

To ensure that tourism is coordinated effectively, through functional tourism structures, such as Community Tourism Organisation’s (CTO’s), the Agency embarked on a comprehensive audit of tourism businesses within the Harry Gwala District

The initiative held multiple objectives, with a primary focus on supporting the reestablishments of CTO’s, whilst establishing an extensive database of tourism businesses through an audit that will determine informed interventions to enhance visitor experiences, as well as to encourage tourism product owners to affiliate with a local CTO.

Tourism officials and members of the CTO conducting tourism business audit within Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality

Number of tourism businesses audited in 2023 vs affiliation to a CTO

YOUTH IN BUSINESS DIALOGUE

The Youth in Business Dialogue which took place at the Harry Gwala Development Agency workplace premises in Ixopo on the 05th of December 2023, aimed at providing a platform for emerging and existing young entrepreneurs to exchange knowledge on essential areas such as accessing funding and partnering with other organizations.

The Youth in Business Dialogue was attended by various local, provincial and national stakeholders which included:

• Panda Mo

• The Office of the Premier

• The National Youth Development Agency

• Food Safety Agency

• Department of Small Business Development

• Simama Centre for Career and Professional Development

• The Harry Gwala District Municipality ( Youth Office

Discussions held with Youth Enterprises at the Youth in Business Seminar.

TYRE REPAIR AND FITMENT FACILITIES HANDOVER

The handover of four fully fitted tyre repair and fitment facilities took place in all the four local municipalities of the Harry Gwala District, namely UMzimkhulu Local Municipality (at Entsikeni village), Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality (at Ncalu river lodge), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini – Zuma Local Municipality (at Enkwezela village in Bulwer) and Greater Kokstad Local Municipality (at Shayamoya Community Hall) on the 19th of December 2023.

The tyre fitment programme is a result of the partnership between the Harry Gwala Development Agency (PTY) LTD and Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (SRSA) which aims to promote enterprise development, create entrepreneurial culture and promote self - reliance, provide opportunities to increase access to employment chances, skills development and innovation and also to revitalize township economies.

His Worship, The Harry Gwala District Municipality Mayor, CLLR Z D Nxumalo, Harry Gwala Development Agency CEO, Ms A C R Whyte, Greater Kokstad Local Municipality Mayor, CLLR M Madikizela and Mr H Nkonjela from SRSA at Shayamoya community hall in Kokstad.

The HGDA – Dunlop tyre repair and fitment facilities programme was led by: His Worship, the mayor of Harry Gwala District, Cllr ZD Nxumalo Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HGDA, Ms ACR Whyte

HGDA LED and Tourism manager, Ms. Z Mkulisi and Accounts manager –Enterprise developmentSRSA Mr H Nkonjela

Mayors of Local Municipalities that were present at the programme were as follows:

Greater Kokstad Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr M Madikizela

UBuhlebezwe Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr EB Ngubo

UMzimkhulu Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr J Mzizi

Dr Nkosazana Dlamini – Zuma Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr PS Msomi

Recipients of the Tyre Repair and Fitment Facilities were as follows:

Mr. L Lutshaba (Greater Kokstad Local Municipality)

Mr. A Zulu (Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality)

Mr. O Jili (UMzimkhulu Local Municipality)

Ms. T Phungula (Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini – Zuma Local Municipality)

Also present at the programme were:

Honourable speaker, Cllr BT Nozaza (Greater Kokstad Local Municipality)

Cllr S Mbatha (Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality)

Cllr K Mafuleka (UMzimkhulu Local Municipality)

Cllr BB Khathi (Dr Nkosazana Dlamini – Zuma Local Municipality)

Hr. Mayor of Greater Kokstad Local Municipality, CLLR M Madikizela at Shayamoya Community Hall during the Handover.