The influence of small businesses in the Northern Cape should not be underestimated, says minister.
THE INFLUENCE of small businesses in the Northern Cape should not be underestimated.
This was the message during the Small Business Development Ministerial Roadshow that was hosted by the Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, in Carnarvon.
Ndabeni-Abrahams was joined by Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul on the roadshow, which was held under the theme “Unlocking opportunities for SMMEs and co-operatives for economic growth and job creation”.
She said small business is one of the pillars that provide stable employment to people.
“We are depriving South Africans of jobs. We have said that the only way we would create more jobs is by investing in small businesses. So we need to make sure that the money flows in order for everyone to benefit. Money must flow into small businesses but, as we provide that money, we have to make sure we provide businesses with the pre-investment support in order to not just grow but also ensure their businesses are operating correctly,” she said.
Ndabeni-Abrahams said the department, during the roadshow, aims to address challenges with administration, funding and the registering of small businesses.
“People have accused the government of stating that there is funding for small businesses yet they are not able to receive that funding. Most small businesses have indicated that when it comes to funding, the forms that need to be processed are difficult to understand. We need to change the system. There are those businesses who do not submit their entire documentation for funding, which also hampers the chances of businesses for funding. It also delays the processes and awarding for funding,” said Ndabeni-Abrahams.
The minister said local businesses not only create more jobs but also assist the country in not having to import products and services.
“We need to develop our own products. We do not need to develop everything, but we need to make our own products. We hope to get small, medium and macro enterprises (SMMEs) that can produce products like cement. We build a lot in this country. We can produce our own building materials. Small businesses can even come together and state that they have got relatives that can produce these products. We need small businesses to work in partnership with the government to create jobs and to boost the economy.”
Saul said that 44 small businesses will receive a further R10,000 cash injection from the government.
