EAST LONDON– The Eastern Cape Legislature has praised Phanda Mzansi for its outstanding work in empowering entrepreneurs and supporting small businesses. The commendation came during a visit on 24 October 2025 to the organisation’s offices in East London as part of a legacy project handover.
Phanda Mzansi, a non-profit organisation, focuses on helping aspiring entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, particularly in townships and rural communities.
Chief Executive Officer at Phanda Mzansi Lonwabo Rani expressed gratitude for the support received from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), which provided funding last year(2024).
“I am happy that last year the ECDC supported my organisation because we were able to buy the equipment we needed through their funding,” said Rani. “Today, the Legislature came to see how we are using that equipment and to learn about how we help entrepreneurs start their businesses.”
Despite being a non-profit, Phanda Mzansi continues to play a vital role in reducing unemployment by equipping small businesses with tools, mentorship and access to opportunities.
Speaker of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature Helen Sauls-August praised the organisation’s work and accountability. “We are happy to see that Phanda Mzansi has received and used the equipment effectively, the work they are doing to support other entrepreneurs is excellent,” said Sauls-August.
She further added that, “Our aim as the Legislature is to support organisations that, in turn, help other businesses, ensuring that public funds are used responsibly.”
Furtmore, local entrepreneur Mfundo ‘Tudo’ Jende shared how Phanda Mzansi helped turn his dream into a reality. “I met Phanda Mzansi when I was working at Mdantsane FM, I told them I wanted to start my own business in visual arts. They invited me to their office, helped me register my business, made it compliant, branded it and even designed my logo. They marketed my business on social media, and I gained clients because of them,” said Jende
. “I am very grateful to Phanda Mzansi and hope they continue supporting small businesses,” Jende.
In addition Rani emphasized that while the organisation has made significant progress, more government and private sector support is needed. “Our job is not easy it requires consistent support to help entrepreneurs reach their full potential,” he said.
Phanda Mzansi continues to assist small businesses across the Eastern Cape, believing that the future of South Africa lies in entrepreneurship and that small businesses are key to creating jobs and growing the economy.
Photograph: Nkasela Mfundo
