The Joe Gqabi District Municipality’s Local Economic Development (LED) Unit successfully conducted a two-day Supplier’s Day roadshow in the Walter Sisulu region, marking a significant milestone in supporting local business development.

Day one brought these workshops to Steynsburg and Venterstad for the first time, where JGDM Supply Chain officials provided essential guidance on supplier registration processes, Request for Quotations (RFQs), and the various types of competitive bids available in municipal tenders. Environmental Health Practitioners complemented these sessions by sharing critical information on food safety requirements, business hygiene standards, and licensing procedures, ensuring that local entrepreneurs understand the regulatory framework necessary for compliant business operations.

The roadshow concluded on day two at the Maletswai Public Library Hall, where a comprehensive multi-stakeholder platform was established to support local suppliers. The JGDM Supply Chain and Environmental Health Practitioners continued their informative sessions, while the Disaster Management Unit emphasized the importance of emergency preparedness for business continuity. JoGeda representatives outlined available business support services, the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) presented development incentives for emerging businesses, and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) provided valuable information on business funding opportunities. This collaborative approach demonstrated the municipality’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for local economic growth and supplier development in the Walter Sisulu region.

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