Deputy minister quizzed small business owners

Deputy Minister for Small Business Development Elizabeth Thabethe, quizzed small business owners’s knowledge of her department. She remarked that their knowledge of history and television soapies is much better than their knowledge of her department.

Thabethe attended the second day of the Business Opportunities and Franchise Expo at the Dome on 12 September. Deputy minister stated that the Department of Basic Education plans to introduce entrepreneurship curriculum in Grade R.

She said current public school curriculum does not help people to be business minded when they leave school. Thabethe said she likes the business ethos practised by Indians while they raise their children.

”The Jan Van Riebeeck history does not help us to grow our businesses. I think Indians should not even bother studying for BCom degrees or Masters because business management is in their blood.”

Responding to questions Thabethe noted that some aspiring small business owners are quick to criticise government while they do not have the correct information.

”There are different programmes aimed at supporting and funding small businesses. As minister my door is always opened to those who need help, regardless of your political affiliation. We do not ask if you are DA, EFF or IFP. We want to grow our economy by supporting entrepreneurs in our country,” argued Thabethe.

It was also announced that aspiring small business owners can study free for business courses online through Regenesys, which is provided by the Department of Trade and Industry in partnership with other institutions.

Details: Department of Small Business Development email dlenzie@dsdb.go.za 0861 184 33 84 (option2 for small business queries); https://online.regenesys.net/