One way the stadium is to benefit entrepreneurs is through its kiosks, and the MEC for Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental affairs, Sam Mashinini, said at the ceremony that taking care of stadium guests was just one way for local citizens to sustain and improve their lives.
“I am hoping that lives will change,” he said. “As part of the stakeholding, others have to earn a living in the second stadium in South Africa of this nature, the first being in Orlando, Soweto.”
“We are extremely thankful that it is here and I am absolutely certain it will change the lives of the people who can use it to sell their wares, but they must do this right. This is a great day!”
The stadium has created over 400 new job opportunities, through entrepreneurs running the kiosks and other in other areas, such as supporting the requirements of spectators attending sporting events and attracting sales through the variety of products they can provide.”
The MEC also highlighted the value of tourism to the province. “We need to kick this into a higher gear to give citizens of Bloemfontein and the Free State a better life. Malls will also improve the province’s economy.”
He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to supporting emerging entrepreneurs in the Free State but stressed the need for monitoring progress.