Eastern Cape MEC Hands Over Industrial Sewing Machines to Boost Local Enterprises

Eastern Cape – The Eastern Cape’s Department of Agriculture is driving inclusive economic growth in the province’s clothing and textile sector. On 24 February 2026, the MEC for Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, handed over industrial sewing machines and overlockers to 20 local enterprises in OR Tambo District.

The event, held at the Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI), forms part of a R2.2 million provincial initiative supporting 103 clothing and textile cooperatives across the Eastern Cape. The programme aims to empower local producers while strengthening the province’s manufacturing capacity.

Local Industry Key to Economic Growth

Speaking at the ceremony, MEC Kontsiwe stressed the critical role of clothing and textile enterprises in boosting the provincial GDP.

“One of the reasons we are distributing these machines is to improve the local enterprises and stimulate job creation. The Eastern Cape specialises in traditional attire, and every season, particularly in December, there is high demand for high-quality traditional garments. You must position yourselves to fill that gap,” she said.

Her remarks coincided with findings from a feasibility study by the Localisation Support Fund, which highlights the potential to expand domestic sourcing in line with the Retail-Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather Masterplan. The study indicates that South African retailers could source up to 81 million additional garments locally per year by 2030, representing R7.9 billion in manufacturing output.

Municipal Leadership Welcomes Initiative

Mhlontlo Local Municipality Mayor Mbulelo Jara praised the programme, saying leadership meant providing solutions, not just highlighting problems. His Local Economic Development Portfolio Head, Mbuti Voko, said the industrial machines would empower beneficiaries to grow their businesses and create jobs.

He encouraged recipients to work diligently while ensuring their products reached retail stores.

Farmers and Beneficiaries Speak Out

Local farmer Xolile Nkompela welcomed the initiative but called for ongoing monitoring of donated resources to prevent misuse. He also raised concerns over rising livestock theft in the district, calling for a dedicated intervention team.

In response, MEC Kontsiwe confirmed that the department, working with commercial farmers, has installed surveillance cameras in stock theft hotspots, though one camera had already been vandalised.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support. Masiyithati Madikizela, from Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, said the machines would enhance the quality of her work, while Yoliswa Mtikrakra thanked the department for investing in her skills and business development.

Livestock Health Awareness

MEC Kontsiwe also took the opportunity to raise awareness about Foot and Mouth Disease, recently declared a national disaster by President Cyril Ramaphosa. She urged livestock owners not to transport animals without permits and confirmed that vaccines have been procured, targeting identified hotspots.

The handover demonstrates the provincial government’s commitment to supporting local industries, stimulating job creation, and fostering inclusive economic growth across the Eastern Cape.