Executive Mayor Cllr Tsileng Sobuthongo recently led a delegation to carry out an oversight visit to track the growth of two companies that have previously received municipal funding. According to reports by the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, ZK Kerbing concrete company in Kwa-Bhaca received heavy duty kerb moulds, a hydraulic lift, electric concrete mixer, kerbing and moulding oils materials. The Agro-processing hub located in eMaxesibeni received R14 million as an investment towards the development of the facility, which includes grain silos, an animal feed mill, storage facilities and an agricultural training centre.
According to the municipality no permanent jobs have been created as construction is still in the process. However the project has already created approximately 80 temporary jobs during the building phase. Once the facility is operational, it is expected to employ around 25 people on a permanent contract. Luncedo Walaza, the spokesperson of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality also addressed the concerns around the selection process, following tender protests and SIU investigations in the district claiming that the Agro Hub contractors were appointed through the municipality’s supply chain management processes, which followed competitive, fair, transparent, and legislatively compliant procurement procedures. He further stated that ZK Kerbing was selected through a transparent process in which the municipality issued a public call for MSMES interested in participating in the cement products manufacturing industry, ensuring an open and fair selection process.
“As government, ours is to support young people in business and people in general so that they can be of assistance to others through employment.” said executive mayor.
As reported by the municipality, the 22-year-old director of ZK Kerbing and Concrete Company, Zukhanye Nongogo said the business began during the Covid-19 pandemic manufacturing bricks, but operations were later halted due to economic pressures. The company shifted to kerbstone production and subsequently applied for the municipal support. Nongogo said that the company currently employs 10 people and hopes to expand its workforce. He added that the business aims to become the main manufacturer of concrete products in Mount Frere. “We are still growing and the municipality has already supported us, but we also require assistance in getting a forklift to move kerbstones and pallets or a delivery truck to transport our products” said Nongogo.
