Newly elected administration steps in to resolve SMME impasse
Published: November 26, 2021<< BACK TO NEWS
The newly elected political leadership under the leadership of Executive Mayor Eugene Johnson stepped up to the plate to resolve a potential bottleneck in the implementation of work opportunities, for which R400 million was set aside for the financial year starting July, yesterday.
Mayoral Committee members Mkhuseli Jack (Economic
Development, Tourism and Agriculture), Tukela Zumani (Budget and Treasury) and
relevant officials met at the political headquarters for Economic Development,
Tourism and Agriculture to thrash out ideas to unlock outstanding payments to
the company responsible for the implementation of the municipality’s enterprise
development plan.
The company, SKBC, already played a pivotal role in the development
of the emerging enterprise development policy, the establishment of a credible
database and fruitful engagement with the local small business fraternity.
MMC Mkhuseli Jack said he called an urgent meeting with the
helpful guidance of the Executive Mayor to acquaint himself as soon as possible
with the concerns raised by the small and medium enterprises resulting in the
closure of municipal offices.
"We have listened to issues raised by both internal
stakeholders and the service provider, analysed the compliance concerns and
agreed to a way forward.
"A request for outstanding documents will be followed-up on
and all the identified issues will be addressed. We are especially grateful
that the service provider agreed to the process and will continue to work
towards a speedy resolution.
"I also would like to appreciate the work done by the Budget
and Treasury Directorate under the political leadership of MMC Zumani,” MMC
Jack said.
The renewed focus on SMME development include the
beneficiation by the small, medium and emerging enterprises of 30% of all work
projects carried out in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Business owner Sicelo Kubashe said he is grateful for the
intervention by the political leadership and appreciate their willingness to fast
track the payments. "Hopefully it will be resolved quickly in order for my
employees to receive their just reward for hard work in challenging
conditions,” Mr Kubashe said.
Ends
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