Northern Cape Residents Overwhelmingly Support National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill, Raise Points for Revision

Kimberly, Northern Cape—Public hearings led by a delegation of the Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development concluded in the Northern Cape province with residents broadly in favor of the National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill.

According to a new release by the Parliament of South Africa, the delegation wrapped up its hearings in the Francis Baard District Municipality in Kimberly. Residents expressed support for the Bill and particularly welcomed the proposed establishment of the Office of the Small Enterprise Ombud Service (OSEO).

Residents cited several areas in the Bill needing correction or deletion. They also proposed strengthening certain sections and clauses. Speaking on the OSEO, they hoped that this office would uphold the principles of justice and give the small business owners the support they currently lack from both private and public sectors.

The future of the country, participants said, depends on the success of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). They argued that SMMEs drive economic growth and job creation, urging the government to foster a conducive environment for their development.

Mr. Faiez Jacobs, leader of the delegation, emphasized the importance of public input in the law-making process. He encouraged residents to express their support or criticism of the Bill clearly, highlighting whether the Bill, in its current form, would achieve its intended purpose.

A representative of the Diamond Chamber of Commerce and Industry endorsed the Bill but pointed out that it is silent on including SMMEs in decision-making structures. They championed greater involvement of SMMEs, celebrating their statement with the slogan “nothing for us without us.”

Participants told the committee that there has been a lack of meaningful transformation for SMMEs, especially in townships. They asked for the Bill to focus more on the local level where SMMEs operate to tackle their specific challenges.

Accountability forums within the SMME development space were also proposed. The forums would aim to hold officials accountable and conduct impact assessments, according to a representative.

The Northern Cape Provincial Chamber of Youth Business indicated support for the Bill but noted its silence on funding for SMMEs. The representative suggested the Bill should mandate some form of grants for SMMEs, akin to existing childcare and old-age grants. They also recommended regulation of SMMEs in the food sector, particularly tuck shops, many of which, they claim, have been overtaken by foreign nationals without government intervention.

Lastly, a call was made for the decentralization of the Department of Small Business Development to include provincial offices, aiming for more comprehensive enforcement of the Bill across provinces.