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Session.20–21 February 2026 | East London International Conference Centre
ASPIRE successfully convened its Strategic Planning Session on 20–21 February 2026 at the East London International Conference Centre.
The two-day session brought together ASPIRE Board members, Executive leadership, and key stakeholders including representatives from the Amathole District Municipality (ADM), Project Management SA, Digicall, Liquid Capital, University of Fort Hare,NYDA, BIWA, TRANSNET, and Buffalo City Metro Municipality.
The session was officially opened by ASPIRE Board Chairperson, Mr. Luthando Jack, who reflected on the organisation’s progress and challenges over the past year. He urged members to critically assess the implementation of previous plans, identify successes, and address areas where improvement is needed.
Mr. Jack emphasized the importance of financial independence from the mother municipality, calling for diverse revenue-generation strategies to ensure ASPIRE’s sustainability. He further encouraged a focused approach to economic growth sectors that can deliver catalytic and multiplier effects for the region.
Key contributions from stakeholders highlighted the role of technology and innovation in driving organisational efficiency. Project Management SA’s Mr. Mgolombane underscored the need to integrate smart technologies and adopt artificial intelligence in project management processes, while Prof. Jere from the University of Fort Hare reinforced the importance of leveraging technology to enhance development outcomes.
ASPIRE Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Avuyile Xabadiya, commended the collaborative spirit of the session and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to driving inclusive economic development in the Amathole region. He highlighted that the Strategic Planning Session was not only a platform for reflection but also a decisive moment to chart a bold path forward.
Mr. Xabadiya emphasized that ASPIRE’s strength lies in its ability to mobilize partnerships, embrace innovation, and align projects with the real needs of communities. He noted that the organisation’s future success depends on diversifying revenue streams, ensuring financial sustainability, and prioritizing projects that deliver catalytic impact across multiple sectors.
ASPIRE’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Xhantilomzi Nyaba, presented a roadmap towards achieving a clean audit, building on the organisation’s progress from an unqualified audit opinion from the auditor general.
A key highlight of the session was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ASPIRE and Project Management South Africa. This strategic partnership will strengthen ASPIRE’s project management capacity, enhance the integration of smart technologies, and foster knowledge-sharing to ensure the successful delivery of impactful projects. The MoU represents a milestone in ASPIRE’s journey towards innovation-driven development and organisational resilience.
In his closing address, ASPIRE Board Chairperson, Mr. Luthando Jack, emphasized the fundamental role of ASPIRE in driving meaningful change across the Amathole region. He reminded stakeholders that the entity’s core purpose is not only to implement projects but to transform the lives of the people of Amathole and uplift the socio-economic status of the district.
Mr. Jack reaffirmed that through meaningful collaborations, focused strategic approaches, innovations, and financial sustainability, ASPIRE must remain steadfast in its mission to be a catalyst for inclusive growth and long-term regional development.
