The Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development today met virtually to receive briefings from metropolitan municipalities on measures being implemented to reduce red tape and improve the ease of doing business for small enterprises.
The meeting formed part of the committee’s oversight work aimed at assessing municipalities’ progress in creating a conducive environment for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) through streamlined administrative processes and reduced regulatory burdens.
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality outlined initiatives undertaken to simplify business processes and support entrepreneurship within its jurisdiction. Briefings were also expected from the eThekwini and Cape Town metropolitan municipalities. The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality was also invited to the meeting but tendered an apology.
During engagements following the Buffalo City presentation, committee members expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of details and late circulation of presentation documents. Members noted that the failure to provide presentations ahead of the meeting undermined their ability to adequately prepare and engage meaningfully with the information presented.
They emphasised that timely access to briefing documents is essential for effective parliamentary oversight and informed deliberations. Members further stressed that the purpose of the engagement was not only to receive information but also to interrogate municipal interventions and assess their impact on improving the business environment for small enterprises, especially those waiting to access the Spaza Shop Support Fund from the Department of Small Business Development.
Acting Chairperson of the committee, Mr Chris Malematja, acknowledged members’ concerns and summarised the discussions by advising the municipalities that the committee would convene a physical meeting at a later date to continue engagements on the matter.
Mr Malematja informed the municipalities that they would be expected to submit their presentations at least one week before the meeting to allow committee members sufficient time to study the documents and prepare questions. He reiterated the importance of proper preparation and cooperation between stakeholders to ensure productive engagements that contribute to reducing barriers facing small businesses.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that improve the ease of doing business and enable SMMEs to thrive, while also ensuring that municipalities are held accountable for implementing practical measures to reduce red tape and improve service delivery to entrepreneurs.
Justice Molafo
10 June 2016
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