BUSINESS OF PRIVATE SECTOR

GROWTH, JOB CREATION LAUDED

THE SMALL Business Institute (SBI) welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s focus on inclusive growth and job creation, determination to fix Eskom and to step up the fight against corruption. “We are pleased that the president has acknowledged the critical role of the private sector in achieving his ambition of inclusive growth and job creation. We also welcome the focus he placed on the revitalisation of township and rural economies where small businesses are being stifled by dysfunctional municipalities,” said Bernard Swanepoel, SBI executive director. In his State of the Nation address, the president announced the expansion of the incubation programme which provides budding entrepreneurs with physical space, infrastructure and shared services, access to specialised knowledge, market linkages, training in the use of new technology and access to finance. “Of course, our preference would have been a decisive focus on existing small businesses,” said Swanepoel. | Staff Reporter