DEPUTY MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT WELCOMES POVERTY ERADICATION INITIATIVES 

• The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr. Ganief Hendricks, recently visited Zhauns Business Opportunity Machines to support the government’s poverty eradication efforts through small-scale manufacturing.
• The visit highlighted the signing of an MOU between Zhauns and the National Development Agency (NDA), establishing a partnership to empower entrepreneurs and cooperatives with equipment, training, and support for sustainable business growth.
• This collaboration reflects a broader commitment to fostering public-private partnerships aimed at tackling systemic poverty and creating pathways for inclusive socio-economic development.

As part of the National Department of Social Development’s efforts to build a national “poverty eradication social compact” project, the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr Ganief Hendricks, concluded a productive visit to Zhauns Business Opportunity Machines in the Western Cape on 19 November.

Zhauns is a South African, black-owned family business that provides innovative solutions to empower entrepreneurs and cooperatives. The machines they offer include bottle-filling, welding wire fencing, peanut butter production, printing, and corn grinding, among others. Zhauns also provides training, equipping communities with the means necessary for small-scale manufacturing.

Small-scale manufacturing in townships and rural areas not only generates income for the unemployed but also creates opportunities for local farmers to sell their products. It can further reduce costs, as local manufacturers avoid transport and logistics expenses.

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 specialises in providing small-to-medium-scale machinery and equipment, enabling aspiring entrepreneurs and cooperatives to establish businesses in sectors such as food processing, brickmaking, and recycling.

The MOU establishes a collaborative framework to support emerging entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, training, and resources needed to create sustainable businesses. By addressing challenges such as identifying opportunities, accessing suitable equipment, and developing technical skills, the partnership aims to foster economic activity in underserved communities.

During the visit, Deputy Minister Hendricks commended Zhauns for its 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 also donated a printing machine to the National Department of Social Development and pledged to support the recipient of the machine in establishing a start-up business. The donation included all the equipment and training necessary to give the recipient the tools required to realise their entrepreneurial vision.

“This donation reflects the transformative potential of collaboration with the private sector in addressing social challenges. Together, we can build a society where everyone has an opportunity to succeed,” he added.

The visit underscores the Department of Social Development’s dedication to fostering public-private partnerships that address systemic challenges and uplift individuals and communities.

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT