State of the Province Address from a business perspective
Princess Nkambule Tsakani Provincial Chair and National Deputy President of Small Business Empowerment Unity (SBEU) had a few things to note down about the Premier's speech and its effect on the business sector.
LIMPOPO – The State of the province is always a glamorous affair from the red carpet entrance to the million dollar speech by the Premier that outlines his plan and mandate for the coming financial year. This event usually marks the beginning of the provincial parliament. Some of the dignitaries that are in attendance are provincial leaders of different political parties, heads of religious organisations and royalties from the different tribes just to name a few.
The State of the Province Address took place on 5 July at the Provincial Legislative Chambers in Lebowakgomo.
Princess Nkambule Tsakani Provincial Chair and National Deputy President of Small Business Empowerment Unity (SBEU) had a few things to note down about the Premier’s speech and its effect on the business sector. She says the Premier’s speech was heartening and encouraging in many parts and it echoed the objective of the new dawn, which is about transforming the economy so that it can serve all the people of the province and reduce levels of inequality, fight poverty and create more jobs.
“It is therefore critical that the province has to go to unprecedented lengths to create a conducive environment for SMME’s to do business and create jobs. In fact, in all developing countries, its only SMME’s which can create jobs as big businesses are shedding jobs through restructuring”.
The Premier announced that the Provincial Government will ensure that 20% of government procurement will go to youth owned businesses, 20% to women owned businesses. “I presume government will work to ensure that departments and HOD’s will work towards achieving these percentages. This is an ambitious plan which should be applauded as it will ensure sustainability of SMME’S in particular, the targeted groups.” She says as businesses they welcome the discussion on how to achieve these objectives within this financial year. “Empty promises or lofty unachievable goals, government’s best efforts notwithstanding, will only make SMME’S more despondent and the unemployment figures to spike even further.”
