Deputy Ministers commit to taking small businesses to greater heights

Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry (dti), Bulelani Magwanishe and his Small Business Development counterpart, Cassel Mathale have expressed their commitment to take small businesses based in Vhembe forward through the implementation of the resolutions adopted at the two-day Vhembe small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) Summit that ended in Thohoyandou on Friday.
It was reported that the two deputy ministers hosted the summit with Vhembe District Municipality Mayor Florence Radzilani. A statement released by the dti informed that the resolutions of the summit were contained in a declaration that was read out and adopted at the end of the summit which was held under the theme ‘Building Local Economy through SMME Development’. More than 800 entrepreneurs from the Thulamela, Collins Chabane, Makhado and Musina local municipalities were in attendance, it was learnt.
Mathale reportedly said “We spent two days exchanging ideas and deliberating on critical issues that affect the development and sustainability of our small businesses and co-operatives. It was worth noting that instead of dwelling on the challenges, the entrepreneurs themselves came up with innovative ideas, ways and means of taking their businesses to the next level with support from government. We are committed to providing not only the enabling environment for the small businesses to thrive, but also to provide all the necessary support that they require.”
He added that this includes land, financial and non-financial support, access to markets, both national and international, as well as the necessary infrastructure. In the declaration the delegates reportedly described the summit as a notable milestone and an important platform that would assist SMMEs to contribute meaningfully in achieving the goals and objectives of the country’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development and a brighter future.
However, they noted that the successful implementation of the outcomes of the summit would require new partnerships among the key drivers of the economy including Departments of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Finance; Water and Sanitation, as well as engagements with the local communities and entrepreneurs.
It was further learnt that the summit also welcomed the announcement made by Deputy Minister Magwanishe that the dti would be providing training to all of the local economic development managers in the Vhembe District Municipality, as well as a two-week training of entrepreneurs under the department’s National Exporter Development Programme.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za