Ekurhuleni helps Vosloorus entrepreneur rebuild after kidnapping ordeal

The Executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, visited Vosloorus to support local entrepreneur Mazwi Kubheka, whose business suffered a major setback following his kidnapping earlier this year.

Kubheka's disappearance sparked concern within the community and was widely believed to be linked to ongoing turf disputes among spaza shop owners in the area. The incident disrupted his business operations and highlighted the challenges faced by some township entrepreneurs.

In an effort to help him recover, the City of Ekurhuleni, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, provided Kubheka with more than R35,000 worth of spaza shop stock and business equipment through the High Impact Partnership and Job Creation Initiative.

Mayor Xhakaza said the intervention forms part of the City's commitment to supporting small businesses, stimulating local economic growth and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

"This initiative forms part of our ongoing efforts to empower small businesses, stimulate local economic growth, and create sustainable employment opportunities," said Xhakaza.

Kubheka's business is one of 28 enterprises across Ekurhuleni that have benefited from the programme. In addition to providing stock and equipment, the City assists entrepreneurs with regulatory compliance, property rezoning, business licences and trading permits.

Officials say the initiative is aimed at helping informal businesses operate legally and sustainably while contributing to economic growth and job creation in local communities.

The City's support for Kubheka underscores its broader commitment to rebuilding local economies and ensuring that entrepreneurs affected by crime and other setbacks are given an opportunity to recover and grow their businesses.