During the civil unrest, some Ithala properties were vandalised and set alight which brought critical trading activity to a complete stop, resulting in tenants being unable to occupy premises and provide services to their customers.
Deputy Minister of the Department of Trade Industry and Competition, Nomalungelo Gina, visited the Ithala Ezakheni Industrial Estate on Tuesday, 27 July, and was accompanied by the Alfred Duma Local Municipality officials, Ithala board members, group CEO, the business sector as well as Ladysmith Chamber Chairperson, Jennifer Wallace.
The visit was a site inspection for sites and factories that were affected by the civil unrest over the past week. Hundreds of jobs have been affected by the disruption experienced by businesses and as an initiative to rebuild the infrastructure, the deputy minister visited several businesses including Defy which was severely affected by the looting that took place.
The department aims at strengthening partnerships with all stakeholders in order to drive the rebuilding programme, which includes engaging community stakeholders to mobilise support for continued local economic development activities.
