Kariega Township Development Project

The Kariega Township Development Project (KTDP) was a pilot business development support intervention designed to stimulate inclusive economic participation among informal township micro-enterprises. Implemented by the Sustainable Livelihoods Foundation NPC (SLF) from 2021 to 2022, the project was funded by the VW Trust over a 10-month period.

KTDP represented the VW Trust’s first targeted micro-economic development initiative and served as a proof of concept for driving sustainable livelihoods at a community level. The project was informed by the Uitenhage Township Economy Development Strategy developed by SLF in 2019, ensuring alignment with identified local economic opportunities and systemic constraints.

The pilot was delivered across four structured phases and focused on three high-potential thematic sectors—automotive, personal care, and waste collection—selected for their relevance to township economies and capacity for enterprise growth, income generation, and job creation.

Through targeted business development support, the project contributed to strengthening enterprise capabilities, improving market readiness, and laying the foundation for long-term economic resilience within the Kariega township communities.

Phase 1

Phase 1 focused on the mobilisation and identification of informal micro-enterprises within the townships surrounding Kariega and was implemented between September 2021 and December 2021.
During this phase, 95 potential beneficiaries were identified through community outreach and screening processes. Following a rigorous and transparent application and assessment process, 46 enterprises were selected to participate in the project implementation phase. This ensured that support was directed toward enterprises which demonstrated commitment, growth potential, and alignment with the project’s sectoral focus.

Phase 2

Phase 2 was implemented between January 2022 and June 2022 and focused on strengthening the operational and strategic capacity of the 46 selected beneficiaries across the three identified sectors.
During this phase, beneficiaries participated in targeted training and business development interventions, including financial management, marketing, and business strategy support. These interventions were designed to improve enterprise sustainability, enhance decision-making, and support growth readiness.
In July 2022, a comprehensive assessment of Phase 2 was conducted, informed by ongoing monitoring by facilitators and self-assessments by participants. This evaluation included on-site business visits, which enabled the identification of additional development needs and informed recommendations for further enterprise support.

Phase 3a

Phase 3a was informed by the findings and recommendations emerging from Phase 2 and was implemented between August 2022 and October 2022. This phase focused on delivering specialised, sector-specific business development support to 21 selected beneficiaries with the highest potential for growth and sustainability.
Tailored interventions were designed to address sector-specific challenges and opportunities, enabling participating enterprises to strengthen operational efficiency, improve market positioning, and enhance long-term viability.

Phase 3b

Building on the insights and outcomes of the pilot project, the VW Trust has initiated an ambitious flagship intervention aimed at creating long-term, systemic impact in Uitenhage. In partnership with USE-IT, this initiative proposes an integrated waste management solution for the Kariega area, with a strong focus on stimulating and formalising the township economy.
This phase has been formally proposed to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality as a potential strategic partnership, with the objective of collaboratively implementing a sustainable waste management model that delivers economic, environmental, and social benefits for the Kariega community.