UMHLATHUZE Mayor Mdu Mhlongo says greed is a major factor hindering black businesses from prospering.
Addressing a Supply Chain Management indaba on Wednesday at eSikhaleni’s Hlanganani Hall, Mhlongo pleaded with black businessmen and -women to learn to work together towards a common purpose.
The indaba dealt with opportunities within the City of uMhlathuze through its procurement processes, and the changes made to Council’s Supply Chain Management policy.
The mayor said he was concerned about how some local entrepreneurs conducted their business.
‘We have a problem of local business owners who, after receiving their first invoice payments, buy expensive cars. We need entrepreneurs who will wait for their businesses to become self sufficient before indulging in any spending spree.
‘We come from an era during which African people in general were excluded from the mainstream economy. As government of the day it is important that we change people’s lives so that they benefit from the country’s economy.
‘Anyone who claims that the status quo is correct, needs to have his head examined. As the leadership of the city we want to build an economy that will be meaningful to our people.
‘The question we should ask is, how do we share in the cake that the city has, because it is big enough for us to share,’ he said.
Mhlongo also challenged local entrepreneurs to do more research on their businesses and learn to diversify.
‘Experience has taught me that not everyone can be in business. Any business goes through different seasons, and if you don’t have the stamina and the determination, you will not survive.’
Mhlongo stressed the importance of building an inclusive economy within the city, with special focus on good governance, accountability and improved contract management.
‘In 2016 the council took a decision to revise our Supply Chain Management policy and positioned it so that it favoured women, youth and people living with disabilities, but this need to be monitored.
‘We want to see an active citizenry in our city. Our aim is to build a world class city and we are ambitious as the fastest growing city in KZN and in the country,’ he said.
There was also an interaction session involving local entrepreneurs, municipal officials and other stakeholders, including the Zululand Chamber of Business, South African Revenue Services, Department of Labour, the Construction Industry Development Board and the banking sector represented by ABSA, FNB, Standard Bank and Ithala Bank.
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