KIMBERLEY
The National Empowerment Fund (NEF), in partnership with the Northern Cape provincial government successfully launched and showcased 8 black-owned enterprises as part of the Northern Cape Investment and Jobs Conference currently underway in the province.
The launch, which took place on Monday 13 April 2026 marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the NEF and the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DeDAT), aimed at accelerating enterprise development, unlocking investment and driving inclusive economic growth.
The eight businesses launched operate across key sectors of the provincial economy, including construction, manufacturing, tourism, property development, agro-processing, and environmental services. The enterprises are Onkabetse Civils and Mining, Wurthmore Concrete, Eden Est (House of Eden), Sea of Mountains, J&M Growth Properties, Proud Heritage Properties, Gem Con and i4 Wildlife.
Collectively, these investments have already contributed to the creation of 229 new jobs, while sustaining a further 110 jobs, demonstrating the tangible impact of development finance in enabling businesses to grow and communities to benefit.
The event was attended by the premier of the Northern Cape Dr Zamani Saul, alongside senior government leadership including Ms Venus Blennies-Magage the MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Mr Abraham Vosloo the MEC for Education, MEC Bentley Vass the MEC for COGHSTA, Ms Mase Manopole the MEC for Social Development and Mr Thami Mabija the Head of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, as well as key stakeholders from the public and private sectors.
Delivering the opening address, NEF CEO Mziwabantu Dayimani emphasised the importance of partnerships in unlocking meaningful economic participation: “When the NEF first began engaging in the Northern Cape, our investment footprint was limited – not due to a lack of entrepreneurial potential, but because structured collaboration and access were not yet firmly in place. Through our partnership with the provincial government, we have since approved 22 investments across key sectors, unlocking real opportunities anchored in local ownership and long-term economic participation.”
He added that development finance must go beyond transactions, “Economic transformation does not happen through policy statements alone. It happens when entrepreneurs are given the tools, capital and support to build businesses that can hire, grow and sustain livelihoods. This is how investment becomes jobs, and jobs become dignity.”
In his address, Premier Dr Zamani Saul highlighted the strategic importance of partnerships in driving provincial growth: “The Northern Cape’s growth trajectory depends on strong partnerships that bring together government, development finance institutions, and the private sector. Through initiatives such as this, we are creating pathways for MSMEs to participate meaningfully in the economy and positioning the province as a growing investment destination.” He elaborated on the role of economic transformation and MSMEs in achieving the provincial economic growth target of R200-billion in GDP and 60,000 additional sustainable jobs by 2029.
The Northern Cape has increasingly emerged as a strategic investment frontier, underpinned by its strengths in mining, renewable energy, agriculture, and infrastructure development. The NEF’s partnership with the province, particularly through the Northern Cape Blended SMME Fund, has played a critical role in unlocking deal flow and supporting black-owned enterprises to enter and scale within these sectors.
The launch of the 8 investees reflects a broader shift towards inclusive industrialisation, in which funding is not only deployed but also translated into productive economic activity, job creation, and sustainable businesses.
As the Investment Conference continued, the NEF reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its footprint in the province and working with partners to build a dynamic, inclusive and opportunity-driven economy.
Meropa Communications
