SMD

Annual Report 2023/2024

I am particularly encouraged by the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2023 which gave South African SMMEs a rare chance to investigate opportunities for regional trade and economic growth. Small to medium businesses should be allowed to maximise the benefits of participation and not only be restricted to exhibiting, and the IATF should be emphasised as a strategic platform for developing sustainable trade ties under the AfCFTA framework. This is my area of interest as I already know that there are many other outlets that support women and youth owned enterprises. I am confident that the government’s National Development Plan, Vision 2030, which aims to leverage the potential of MSMEs, co-operatives, and the informal sector but also setting specific goals for the small business sector, will be realised primarily through the active participation in the economy. Our mandate is to continue increasing the sector’s contribution to GDP to enhance economic growth and reducing the cost of regulatory compliance and promoting an environment conducive to doing business for MSMEs through policy coherence and partnerships between key societal players, businesses, and the government.

Let me extend my word of gratitude to Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams and Acting Director General, Ms. Thulisile Manzini for warmly welcoming me and immediately showing me the ropes. Under the stewardship of the Minister, I am confident that we shall excel at most of our key priorities.

I thank you.

Ms Jane Sithole Deputy Minister of the Department of Small Business Development Date: 29 September 2024

Part A • GENERAL INFORMATION • Department of Small Business Development

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