#IMadeMyMark: Bedfordview’s business owner votes for small businesses to gain

Owner of Col’Cacchio Eastgate Bajith Panday will be voting as a citizen today, but admits corruption over the years hurts small businesses.

“I am a South African citizen first, then a business person, therefore, it makes it difficult to separate my personal perspective from my business perspective when it comes to deciding which party to vote for,” said Panday.

He said when he casts his vote, he will choose a party that resonates with his values as a business owner.

When looking for which party to vote for, Panday is looking for transparency, customer service and honesty.

“As a business owner, my decision to vote was indirectly influenced by the political parties’ policies on small businesses. Kudos to the government for the support they have given to the jobs fund. Without their support, it would have been difficult to open such a restaurant.”

He said corruption hurts small businesses due to the supply for development of small businesses being utilised dishonestly.

“There is a large magnitude of corruption that has overshadowed the good. The extent of corruption is frightening,” said Panday. He said being a small business owner is not easy, due to a high cost of compliance with Samro, Sars and the Department of Health.

“I am looking for a party that will relieve small businesses from certain burdens,” said Panday.

He has voted in every election since 1994 and said over the years it has been extremely difficult to decide which party to vote for.

“In 1994, everyone had the same goal and it was easy to decide who to vote for because we knew who the enemy was. Now I am conflicted because I just don’t know who to trust.”

He said having 48 parties to choose from does not make it any easier.

“Maybe if South Africa was like the UK or the US and had fewer parties, my decision would be a lot easier.”

Panday added that you should look at the service delivery in your current ward and make a decision based on that.