Boosting local businesses solution to unemployment
THE MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Mac Jack believes that promoting local businesses is the solution to addressing unemployment and poverty in the Province.
Speaking at the Proudly SA Business Forum this week, Jack expressed concern over rising unemployment figures where, according to Statistics South Africa (StatsSA), employment decreased by roughly 10 000 between the first and second quarters of 2016 from 313 000 to 302 000, in the Northern Cape.
Jack stated that the Provincial unemployment rate was recorded at 27 4 percent during the second quarter this year.
He believed that the procurement of local goods and services would increase the local labour market, amidst an ailing global economy, persisting drought conditions and the decline in productivity in the mining and agricultural sector.
“The department has established partnerships with stateowned enterprises namely, Eskom and Transnet, to expose local small and medium enterprises to avail- able procurement opportunities.
“These enterprises together with the department have committed to participate in a national campaign to promote local procurement in partnership with Proudly South Africa, to create awareness on the economy wide benefits of buying locally manufactured products.” Jack added that the department would host a Provincial Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and Procurement Indaba from November 23 to 24.
“The department further commits to co-operate with the South African Revenue Service and work with enforcement agencies to prevent illegal imports and dumping of unsafe products, which destroy domestic enterprises and jobs, and pose health risks.
“Through project team work we are ensuring that SMMEs and co-operatives are well positioned to take up opportunities on high impact projects, such as Square Kilometre Array project and other renewable energy initiatives.” He said other interventions included assisting SMMEs and co-operatives in participating in national and international trade missions to secure investment.