This is according to CEO of Proudly South African, Advocate Leslie Sedibe, who was the guest speaker at the Ekurhuleni Captains of Industry Forum breakfast held recently.
He spoke about the implications for businesses following the recent local government elections.held a business breakfast on Wednesday morning in Pomona.
Sedibe said the role played by government elections and local government as a whole was important because this was where small businesses benefit from the budget allocated for local municipalities.
For businesses to function smoothly, certain areas of government need to be well-resourced, up-to-date and running efficiently, such as infrastructure development, transportation, education and skills training.
And these are all aspects that a government voted into power would need to take care of.
“For example, we have a huge shortage of skills in this country. The country needs more skilled and qualified people.
“We need more educated people. We need more quality outcomes from our schools, because a 30 per cent pass mark for schools children is not adequate,” Sedibe emphasised.
It was also vital for the spirit of entrepreneurship to be encouraged within the youth.
Another big issue affecting small businesses are energy costs. Since the country started experiencing load shedding problems, businesses have had to invest in generators so they could continue operating even during dark hours.
Sedibe made an example of how in other countries governments have begun using renewable and solar energy, especially in the form of solar panels.
“We need to be creative and come up with solutions to such issues and new ways to save.”
Chris van Biljon, CEO of Ekurhuleni Captains of Industry Forum, encouraged local businesses to not get left behind with all the developments taking place in the city.
“There is a completely new city coming to Rhodesfield, for example, and local businesses should take part and make use of these major developments,” Van Biljon said.
