Aspire: Amathole Economic Development Agency

04/06/2026

ASPIRE Strengthens Regional Partnerships at Joe Gqabi Investment Conference.

As part of ASPIRE’s ongoing commitment to collaboration and support for District Development Agencies, the Chief Financial Officer of ASPIRE, Mr Xhantilomzi Nyaba represents ASPIRE at the Joe Gqabi Development Agency’s Investment Conference currently happening in Stekspruit.

The conference brought together key stakeholders, investors, and development agencies to explore opportunities for regional growth, investment promotion, and sustainable development.

ASPIRE’s participation highlights its dedication to building strong working relationships with peer agencies and advancing the collective vision of inclusive economic transformation across the Eastern Cape.

By engaging in this platform, ASPIRE reaffirms its role as a strategic partner in fostering investment, strengthening institutional cooperation, and driving initiatives that empower communities and stimulate local economies.

01/05/2026

16/04/2026

ASPIRE and Project Management South Africa CEO's participates in Services SETA Workshop on Project Management

ASPIRE, a cooperative member of Project Management South Africa (PMSA), is participating in a Services SETA workshop on project management alongside the CEO of PMSA. The workshop is addressed by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Director General Dr. Sishi.

The event is graced by the presence and contributions from :
Service SETA Acting CEO, Mr Sibusiso Dhladhla
Service SETA Administrator, Mr Lehlogonolo Masoga
DHET Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, MP
SASSA CEO, Mr Themba Matlou
National Treasury
DHET Director General, Dr Nkosinathi Sishi
PMSA Chairman, Mr Sinaye Mgolombane
ASPIRE CEO, Mr Avuyile Xabadiya

ASPIRE's membership in PMSA is informed by government priorities of building a capable state to drive development across South Africa. This collaboration highlights ASPIRE's commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and advancing professional project management practices.

The workshop provides platform for strategic dialogue among key stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of coordinated efforts in skills development. ASPIRE emphasized its goals of building a skills revolution within the region's six local municipalities, working closely with stakeholders in alignment with its five-year strategy.

Through initiatives such as these, ASPIRE continues to champion inclusive development and capacity building, ensuring that communities are equipped with the neccessary skills to contribute meaningfully to the country's growth and transformation.

09/03/2026

ASPIRE Board Chairperson's summary on the successful conclusion and certificate handover for 60 learners who completed ASPIRE's Agricultural Learnership in partnership with AgreSETA.

08/03/2026

ASPIRE CELEBRATES SUCCESS OF 60 LEARNERS FROM AGRICULTURAL LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME

Amathole Economic Development Agency (ASPIRE), in partnership with AgriSETA and King Hintsa College, celebrates the successful conclusion of its Agricultural Learnership Programme, which has empowered 60 learners from across all six local municipalities of the Amathole District.

The certificate handover ceremony, hosted at King Hintsa College, Dutywa Campus was attended by ASPIRE Board members, Executive Management, Amathole District Municipality, LED Director, Ms Xabadiya and MMC for corporate services, Cllr Madikane, Mbhashe Local Municipality, Cllr Apleni, King Hintsa College acting campus manager Ms Magwaca, parents, and the successful learners.

This pioneering initiative provided comprehensive agricultural training combining theoretical and practical knowledge to equip learners with essential skills to excel in the agricultural sector or establish their own agri-business ventures. The programme reflects Amathole District Municipality’s strategic objectives and ASPIRE’s commitment to driving economic development, with agriculture positioned as a cornerstone of sustainable growth in the region.

ASPIRE Board Chairperson, Mr. Luthando Jack, emphasized the critical role of animal production in unlocking the Eastern Cape’s economic potential. “Animal production is a very important component of agriculture to contribute to the economic growth of the Eastern Cape Province, since our province has plenty of land. ASPIRE is here to empower the people of Amathole, to create a culture of entrepreneurship, not only workers.”

Mr. Jack further used words from Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela, reminding attendees that, “a nation that does not invest in its youth is a nation without a future.”He underscored that this programme is a direct intervention to address unemployment in the country, positioning young people as drivers of economic transformation.

Advocate Sotejwa, ASPIRE board member, and programme director of the day, also highlighted the initiative’s role in tackling unemployment and fostering entrepreneurship, while ASPIRE CEO, Mr. Xabadiya, expressed his excitement at the learners’ achievements, “we are happy to witness the enthusiasm of these sixty learners as they embark on this life-changing journey. This programme aims to develop not only a skilled workforce but also a new generation of innovative agricultural entrepreneurs who will drive the region’s development.”

The learnership programme symbolizes a major step forward in addressing unemployment, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting food security within the Amathole District. By equipping learners with the tools to thrive in agriculture, this initiative contributes directly to building a vibrant, self-sustaining economy and ensuring long-term prosperity for the community.

05/03/2026

ASPIRE AND AgriSeta TO HOST GRADUATION AND CERTIFICATE HANDOVER TO 60 AGRICULTURAL LEARNERS

We’re proud to celebrate 60 learners who successfully completed the Agricultural Learnership Programme

📍 King Hintsa College, Dutywa Campus
📅 Saturday, 07 March 2026
⏰ 09:00 AM

27/02/2026

ASPIRE WELCOMES EASTERN CAPE PREMIER'S STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS

ASPIRE notes the Eastern Cape Premier’s State of the Province Address delivered at the provincial legislature in Bisho. The address reaffirmed priorities that align closely with ASPIRE’s mission to drive inclusive economic growth, regenerate small towns, and support sustainable local industrialisation.

SMALL TOWN REGENERATION
ASPIRE welcomes the Premier’s renewed focus on revitalising small towns as engines of local economic activity. We support initiatives that prioritise infrastructure upgrades, public-space renewal, and catalytic investments that attract private-sector activity and improve quality of life for residents.

SMME SUPPORT
The Premier’s emphasis on strengthening SMME ecosystems and increasing local procurement resonates with ASPIRE’s work. We endorse measures that simplify market access, expand business development services, and link SMMEs to public- and private-sector supply chains.

OIL AND GAS PROJECT
ASPIRE, on behalf of Impact Africa, recently conducted stakeholder engagements and knowledge-sharing sessions on oil and gas exploration activities in the Amathole region. We recognise the potential economic opportunities from the national and province’s oil and gas initiatives and support a development approach that maximises local content, skills transfer, and community beneficiation while upholding environmental stewardship and social safeguards.

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION
We applaud the commitment to skills development, apprenticeships, and targeted youth employment programmes. ASPIRE, in partnership with AgriSita, recently implemented an agricultural learnership programme benefiting 60 young people and will continue to prioritise training pathways that prepare local residents for jobs created by agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and small-business growth. We are looking forward to partnering with provincial government to further improve its delivery on these training programmes.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICE DELIVERY AND SANRAL PARTNERSHIP
Improved roads, water, energy, and digital connectivity are essential to unlock investment in small towns and rural communities. ASPIRE supports coordinated infrastructure planning that reduces costs for local businesses and improves investor confidence.

The partnership with the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) to align road maintenance and upgrade programmes with small-town regeneration plans. This collaboration prioritises strategic road links that improve market access for SMMEs, reduce transport costs for agricultural and industrial producers, and create local employment through contractor development and supplier localisation.

ASPIRE CEO Mr Avuyile Xabadiya, who attended the address in Bisho, said:
“We welcome the Premier’s clear commitment to rebuilding local economies across the Eastern Cape. ASPIRE stands ready to partner with government, communities, and the private sector to turn these priorities into tangible opportunities.”

ASPIRE invites provincial departments, municipalities, development finance institutions, private investors, SANRAL, and civil society to join a coordinated effort to implement the Premier’s vision. Collaborative, locally anchored interventions will deliver sustainable jobs, resilient local economies, and improved livelihoods across the Eastern Cape.

26/02/2026

🎉✨ Birthday Wishes for Zikhona Tongo ✨🎉

The Office of the CEO, Executive Management, and the entire ASPIRE staff team would like to extend heartfelt birthday wishes to our colleague, Zikhona Tongo.

Your dedication, positivity, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire us all. May this special day bring you joy, and may the year ahead be filled with growth, success, and memorable moments.

Happy Birthday, Zikhona! 🌸💫