THE Black Business Federation’s (BBF’s) strategic partnership with KwaZulu-Natal water utility Umgeni Water is set to ensure that 35% of local and remote businesses participate in the Umgeni value chain.
That’s according to federation President Malusi Zondi, who said the deal would ensure mainstream economic participation for local black businesses thereby empowering local businesses and creating more jobs in rural KZN communities.
“This partnership is aimed at maximum empowerment and uplifting of black businesses, especially those who have been excluded from participating for the past five years while some had to shut down.”
Zondi said other benefits included training of traditional leaders, upskilling of manufacturers and driving of business opportunities in rural areas where dams are located.
“The… partnership with Umgeni Water is… affirmation of the fact that we are indeed a country filled with possibilities of achieving economic transformation and entrenching participation of black businesses, especially for the previously disadvantaged.”
