Picture: North West MEC for DEDECT, Virginia Tlhapi/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), Virginia Tlhapi said youth development is an integral part of national transformation and a catalyst for sustainable growth. Tlhapi said as a government, they recognise the challenges faced by Small Micro-Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in the province and they will provide much-needed support.

“Our intention is to foster a plan in collaboration with key stakeholders that caters to the needs of young entrepreneurs and ensures economic transformation for small enterprises. We also want to encourage young people to absorb and apply the shared information to seize the opportunities presented before them.

“We want them to ultimately contribute to a better future. Our department is committed and has allocated R15 million to procure equipment for both start-ups and existing small business enterprises. Under this fund, small businesses and cooperatives operating within the province can access equipment worth R100 000 for start-ups and R200,000 for existing businesses,” she said.

Tlhapi further said the fund excludes certain industries such as liquor, gambling, tendering costs, property acquisition expenses, primary agriculture, and transportation. She added that, as part of the program, ten Empowerment Fund Program beneficiaries in the fields of laundry services, spa and beauty, steel projects, construction, printing, confectionery, catering, and architectural services received equipment.

“We would like to commend their efforts and we urge them to strive for sustainability as their success will generate employment opportunities for others. This impactful event followed a series of informative sessions held in Lichtenburg, Potchefstroom, and Bloemhof, which showcased a range of opportunities provided by the government.

“These sessions aimed to enhance the competitiveness of rural and township enterprises, start-up businesses, and high-growth potential businesses owned by youth, thereby retaining existing jobs and fostering new employment prospects.

The event received extensive support from the Bojanala District and its local municipalities, and various development finance institutions, including SEFA, SEDA, NYDA, NWDC, NDA, NEF, and SARS,” said Tlhapi.

She said these institutions encouraged SMMEs to leverage opportunities made available by the government and the private sector to fuel the growth and development of their businesses. Tlhapi said her dedication to empowering young SMMEs sets a precedent for economic transformation in the region by bridging the gap between the first and second economies.

“These efforts promise to cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial landscape, promoting job creation and sustainable development,” she said.

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