Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks of Social Development welcomes “poverty eradication social compact” initiatives with the private sector:
As part of the National Department of Social Development’s efforts to build a national “poverty eradication social compact” project, Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr. Ganief Hendricks, concluded a productive visit at Zhauns’ Business Opportunity Machines on the 19th November 2024.
Zhauns is a South African, black owned family business which provides innovative solutions that empower entrepreneurs and cooperatives. These machines include, bottle filling, welding wire fencing, peanut butter, printing, grinding corn. Zhauns provides training and empowers communities with the means necessary for small scale manufacturing.
Township or rural based small scale manufacturing not only creates an income for the unemployed, it also creates opportunities for local farmers to sell their products and can reduce prices as local manufactures do not have transport and logistics input costs.
During the visit the deputy minister oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the National Development Agency (NDA) and Zhauns, solidifying a partnership aimed at advancing socio-economic development.
Zhauns specializes in providing small- to medium-scale machinery and equipment, enabling aspiring entrepreneurs and cooperatives to establish businesses in sectors such as food processing, brick making and recycling. Their accessible and affordable solutions empower individuals to create job opportunities and contribute to local economies. Zhauns also offers training empowering entrepreneurs with necessary skills to run the machinery and businesses.
The MOU establishes a collaborative framework to support emerging entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, training, and support needed to create sustainable businesses. By addressing challenges such as identifying the opportunities, access to correct equipment and technical skills, the partnership aims to foster economic activity in underserved communities.
During the visit, Deputy Minister Hendricks commended Zhauns for their commitment to uplifting communities through entrepreneurship. “Zhauns has demonstrated how innovation can bridge the gap between opportunities and small businesses or cooperatives. This partnership marks an important milestone in our shared mission to create pathways for inclusive growth,” said Deputy Minister Hendricks.
Zhauns gifted a printing machine to the NDSD which was handed over to the Deputy Minister. The business has pledged to equip the recipient of the printing machine with a start up business. The donation includes all the equipment and training needed to give the recipient the tools needed to turn their entrepreneurial vision into reality.
“This donation reflects the transformation potential of private-sector collaboration in addressing social challenges. Together, we can build a society where everyone has the chance to succeed,” he added.
The visit underscores the Department of Social Development’s dedication to fostering public-private partnerships that tackle systemic challenges and uplift individuals and communities.
