Eastern Cape Business 2021-22

The 2021/22 edition of Eastern Cape Business is the 14th edition of this successful publication that, since its launch in 2006, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide for the Eastern Cape. The Eastern Cape’s investment and business opportunities are highlighted in this publication. The fact that the province is home to the majority of wind power projects as part of the country’s drive to promote renewable energy is the subject of a special feature. Overviews are provided on the key economic sectors of the province, including the vital contribution that the agricultural and automotive sectors continue to make on the province’s economic trajectory. References are made to the potential of the Oceans Economy and to the prospects of oil and gas for this coastal province. The major business chambers in the province have made contributions to the journal.

ADVERTORIAL Money

ADVERTORIAL Money experts bringing 21st century banking to all communities ‘ Nedbank has continued to deliver on its brand promise, which is to use our financial expertise to do good for individuals, families, businesses and communities in which we ‘ operate. And the innovative banking journey continues, ensuring greater value for clients. The Nedbank Contact Centre and our market-leading Nedbank Money app has enabled the bank to continue serving clients in the comfort of their homes, bringing convenience, safety and compliance with lockdown regulations. With the Money app clients can manage accounts and investments, make payments, set savings goals and budgets, all from their smartphones, and make instant payments to anyone on their contact list, even if the recipient isn’t a Nedbank client. Emile Bester, Nedbank Provincial Client Network and Sales Manager for the Eastern Cape says that as money experts who do good, Nedbank strives to empower the people who drive the Eastern Cape economy by saving them time, money and helping them to manage their money better. ‘Nedbank has continued to deliver on its brand promise, which is to use our financial expertise to do good for individuals, families, businesses and communities in which we operate. Our client-centred strategy has enabled us to reach out to our clients in time of need during Covid-19 lockdown levels,’ says Bester. Bester adds that working with communities is rooted in the bank’s values through community and skills development, education and job creation, as well as environmental conservation. ‘These play a vital role in building a sustainable economy and vibrant society. We believe our fast-growing presence in communities goes a long way towards enabling greater financial inclusion while contributing towards economic growth,' he says. To find out more about banking from the comfort of your home or for more information about Nedbank’s specialised service offering, please call Emile Bester on +27 (0)10 235 7784, send an email to EmileBe@Nedbank.co.za, or visit www.nedbank.co.za. EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2021/22 see money differently 24 Nedbank Ltd Reg No 1951/000009/06. Authorised financial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP16).

ADVERTORIAL Solutions for small businesses aimed at creating jobs and growing the economy Nedbank’s Provincial Manager of Small Business Services in the Eastern Cape, Andisa Sikwebu, explains how brand values built on the bank’s expertise can benefit Nedbank clients, especially in what is now considered ‘the new normal’. Sikwebu says that for small-business clients, Nedbank continues to deliver end-to-end solutions through a dedicated business manager. ‘Our bigger-picture business approach enables us to have a holistic view of each business by understanding the vision, cashflow cycle, and transactional and capital expenditure needs. This way, we become trusted advisors to business owners who strive to grow their businesses.’ ‘ Our bigger-picture business approach enables us to have a holistic view of each business by understanding the vision, cashflow cycle, and transactional and capital expenditure needs. This way, we become trusted advisors to business owners who strive to grow their businesses Small businesses often lack formalisation, as proved by many not qualifying for Covid-19 assistance due to outdated records and not meeting regulatory requirements. Sikwebu says that Nedbank’s experts are available to offer all the support small businesses need, which goes beyond affordable banking solutions. ‘We offer value-added services to get and keep your business going, like our free-to-join networking portal, SimplyBiz.co.za, The Essential Guide for Small-business Owners, business registration services and free small-business seminars.’ Sikwebu adds that the current economic climate has highlighted low financial literacy levels among small-business owners who find themselves highly indebted. ‘Nedbank Retail Banking helps clients with debt consolidation to ease their financial difficulties, and offers financial literacy programmes and tailormade solutions to empower them to save and make better financial decisions in future.’ To take the financial wellness of your small business to the next level or for more information, please call Andisa Sikwebu on +27 (0)72 984 9645, send an email to AndisaS@nedbank.co.za, or visit www.nedbank.co.za/business. ‘ see money differently 25 EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2021/22 . Nedbank Ltd Reg No 1951/000009/06. Authorised financial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP16).