SMME growth top of list for BMF treasurer in overview
Chris Hani District Black Management Forum treasurer Sakhumzi Klaas said the revival of the industrial development areas, such as Queendustria, Dimbaza and Gcuwa, should be accessible to SMMEs.
Klaas said the support system needed to be developed as part of the province's skills revolution proposal and “driving investment in key sectors to attract investors” plan.
“There are lots of potential entrepreneurs out there who are in need of space to operate from, but do not have access to it and some pay huge amounts in rental, especially in manufacturing and without adequate support from the government. The issue of skills revolution is excellent and that will contribute towards the revival of these factories.
“On their revival, hundreds of people will be employed and that will contribute towards the National Development Plan (NDP) in 2030.”
He said the call for socio-economic infrastructure was great,
“Looking at our roads and housing, these issues have been overlooked even though they are key factors to restore dignity to the disadvantaged communities.
“People need to own houses and vacant land should be developed for them. The roads to the land to be developed need be usable and the existing roads must be maintained.
“The other burning matter is telecommunication. Data is very expensive and we are living in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, meaning we have to use gadgets or technology that needs this everywhere – starting from school to business. The network providers are monopolising that space and they do as they wish so I see it as vital for this matter to be addressed as it affects us on a daily basis.”
Ocean economy, tourism, mining and agro-processing can do well in the province. These can contribute greatly to the economy.
He said the budget was always limited for SMME development.
“In the next few years, this needs to be adjusted as the SMMEs play a huge role in the province’s economy. The MEC has also highlighted the importance of ensuring SMMEs are paid within 30 days.”
He said the Isiqalo Fund was a good initiative for graduates, but it needs to be monitored while still in its initial stages. The support should be given to the youth, he said, and it is high time that youth be introduced to entrepreneurship and trained to be their own bosses and create job opportunities instead of jumping from one internship to another.
“The agricultural economy has been overlooked. The budget allocated to the department of land affairs and agrarian reform is doing nothing to revive the whole Eastern Cape agricultural industry.
“Agriculture is one the province’s main commodities and it should be promoted – starting from the household. Food is a primary need, therefore agriculture should be promoted with gardens before commercialising it,” he said.