By Obakeng Maje
Taung- The Small Enterprise Development Agency(Seda) took time to lands its helping hand to reach out to the community of Taung.

Seda has partnered with Standard Bank in an outreach program. Seda as an agency of the South African Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), they said they came to Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District to disseminates information and teach small business persons how to grow and sustain their businesses.

The event was held at Papercity Tent Hire Conference Room on Wednesday in Taung.

Seda’s Marketing & Public Relations Officer Mlungisi Makhubela shared the organisation’s views and objectives. “Our mission is to develop, support and promote small enterprises throughout the country, ensuring their growth and sustainability in co–ordination and partnership with various role players, including global partners, who make international best practices available to local entrepreneurs” Makhubela said.

Seda was established in December back in 2004, through the National Small Business Amendment Act, Act 29 of 2004.
 
“It is mandated to implement government’s small business strategy; design and implement a standard and common national delivery network for small enterprise development; and integrate government-funded small enterprise support agencies across all tiers of government” Seda’s George Mmutle said.

Most small business owners in Taung were grateful and applaud the program. They said programs like this could be more visible and are eye-openers.

Greater Taung Municipality’s Local Economic Development co-ordinator Tsholofelo Kok shared the same sentiments. “We assist in giving support to small businesses by purchasing machinery and give them access to the market. We also have various programs within and can negotiate on their behalf.”

Even though most SMME’s are struggling to be sustained, Standard Bank Gloria Moremi alluded that the service at their disposal is more worth it. “Small business owners can come and access our service such as business growth, lending, investment, insurance and support”.

The Standard Bank also offers some workshops to business owners free of charge and want SMME’s to make use of that.

Attie Moremane who was representing Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District as a Business Advisor said they provide training, business advice and offer several business related service.-TDN
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