01/10/2026
MEDIA STATEMENT
RIC26 SMME, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT BRINGS GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS, DIPLOMATIC AND DEVELOPMENT STAKEHOLDERS TOGETHER IN Knysna Municipality
23 September 2026 | Knysna, Western Cape
The IThuba Regional Investment Conference (iRIC), through the first day of the RIC26 programme - the SMME, Entrepreneurship and Stakeholder Engagement held on 23 September 2026 in Knysna -brought together government, local government, development institutions, diplomatic representatives, the private sector, SMMEs and other stakeholders to engage on practical opportunities for entrepreneurship, investment and inclusive economic development.
The engagement reaffirmed the importance of creating platforms where SMMEs, entrepreneurs and emerging businesses can connect directly with government, funding institutions, investors and development partners.
RIC26 PROGRAMME CLARIFICATION
The 23 September 2026 SMME, Entrepreneurship and Stakeholder Engagement was successfully held as the first day of the planned RIC26 programme.
The formal RIC26 Regional Investment Conference, which was planned as the main conference component of the programme, was subsequently POSTPONED to 2027 following consideration of logistical, participation and broader circumstances affecting the planned conference programme.
The postponement of the formal conference does not diminish the significance of the 23 September engagement. The first day provided an important opportunity to maintain momentum, strengthen stakeholder relationships and continue advancing initiatives within the RIC development pipeline.
STRONG GOVERNMENT AND STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION
The programme was attended by Deputy Minister Jane Sithole, delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Deputy President, alongside representatives from the Office of the Deputy President, national and local government, development institutions and international diplomatic missions.
Among the stakeholders represented were:
- Office of the Deputy President, represented by Mr. Gabriel Badenhorst,
- Department of Small Business Development, represented by Deputy Minister Jane Sithole,
- SEDFA, represented by Mr. Shaun Lanto and Mr. Quinton Coetzee;
- The DTIC, represented by Mr. Elias Rafapa
- South African Local Government Association (SALGA), represented by Mr. Nkosinathi September,
- Knysna Municipality, represented by Acting Mayor Cllr Morton Gericke,
- Consulate General of India , represented by H.E. Ms. Ruby Jaspreet, Consul General of India,
- Republic of , represented by the Acting Consul of Zimbabwe
- , represented by Mr. Thabiso Mokoena;
- , represented by Provincial Manager Mr. Lushen Govender and Marketing and Development Manager Ms. Santel van Zyl, together with the team; and
.
The participation of these stakeholders reinforced the regional and multi-sector character of the iRIC platform and demonstrated the importance of collaboration between government, business, development institutions, diplomatic missions and communities.
A PLATFORM FOR PRACTICAL OPPORTUNITIES
The 23 September engagement focused on creating meaningful connections and opportunities for SMMEs, entrepreneurs and emerging businesses.
The RIC process recognises that investment and economic development must include small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly those seeking access to:
- Funding,
- Markets
- Procurement opportunities,
- Business development support,
- Skills and training,
- Investment,
- Mentorship, and
- Strategic partnerships.
The engagement therefore formed part of the broader RIC objective of moving beyond discussion towards practical economic opportunities and implementation.
FROM DIALOGUE TO DEVELOPMENT
The RIC platform is also demonstrating the importance of sustained engagement beyond individual events.
One important example is the South Cape TVET College skills-development initiative, which was presented and advanced through the RIC process.
On 30 September 2026, Knysna Municipality and South Cape TVET College signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) relating to the initiative.
While the MoU does not represent completion of the wider project, it is an important institutional milestone and demonstrates the type of follow-through that the RIC seeks to facilitate - moving from dialogue, to partnership, and towards implementation.
Other initiatives associated with the RIC development pipeline include:
🔹 The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Revitalisation Initiative, an important tourism, heritage, transport and economic-development opportunity requiring continued stakeholder, technical and investment engagement.
🔹 The R100,000 SMME Support Initiative, which provided practical support to participating SMMEs and demonstrates the importance of connecting investment discussions with tangible opportunities for small businesses.
🔹 The Loerie Park Sports Field Development Proposal, which is currently under consideration by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and has potential implications for youth development, sport, events, tourism and local economic opportunities.
These initiatives demonstrate that the RIC is intended to be more than an annual event. It is developing as a year-round platform for project development, stakeholder engagement, investment facilitation and implementation.
SPECIAL APPRECIATION TO METROPOLITAN AND MOMENTUM
Yona-Yethu Initiative and the RIC Organising Committee extend our sincere appreciation to Metropolitan and Momentum for their financial and non-financial support towards the 23 September SMME and Entrepreneurship Engagement.
Their support, participation and continued partnership have contributed to strengthening the platform and creating opportunities for SMMEs and entrepreneurs.
We particularly acknowledge the contribution and participation of Mr. Nko September of SALGA, the Acting Consul of , Ms. Santel van Zyl of and Ms. Fiona Ally of , together with all government representatives, development institutions, diplomatic missions, businesses, SMMEs, community representatives and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the engagement.
We look forward to strengthening and expanding these collaborations and partnerships as we continue building the iThuba Regional Investment Conference platform.
LOOKING TOWARDS iRIC-27
The postponement of the formal RIC26 Regional Investment Conference provides an opportunity to use the period ahead to consolidate the work already undertaken, strengthen partnerships, advance projects and develop stronger investment-ready opportunities.
The next formal iThuba Regional Investment Conference (iRIC-27) is planned for 25–27 November 2027.
The RIC Organising Committee remains committed to ensuring that iRIC-27 builds on the relationships, projects and opportunities developed through the RIC24–RIC26 process.
The work continues beyond the conference.
Yona-Yethu Initiative
iThuba Regional Investment Conference
President Nkosinathi Oliver Mabukane
Catalysing Investment for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Infrastructure.
IThuba Nathi Mabukane-kaKhumalo The Greater Knysna Business Chamber Small Enterprise Development & Finance Agency - Sedfa Knysna Municipality @ Knysna-Plett Herald George Herald Garden Route District Municipality Garden Route District Municipality Knysna LoveLife Center South African Police Service RSA @ Paul Mashatile Cyril Ramaphosa
