By: Siphiwe Ngcongco
The Premier’s Mme Re Ka Thuso trust fund this week hosted a three-day workshop in Magareng for small business enterprises at the Warrenton cultural resort.
The small business colloquium was held in collaboration with the Magareng local municipality and other stakeholders.
The purpose of the event was to pave a way for small businesses to enable them to interact with relevant stakeholders and assist them to navigate challenges they faced. As well as for them to see what opportunities were available that could take them to the next level.
Nompumelelo Sefali, acting business development manager at Northern Cape SMME Trust, said they had the capacity to accommodate more than twenty-two SMMEs across all sectors. They ensured that businesses are tax compliant and link them with the appropriate stakeholders. The trust also welcomes walk-ins which need their services.
Sefali explained that the objective of the trust was to promote and ensure that upcoming businesses participate in the mainstream economy and create jobs within the communities in which they operate.
She said the trust further equipped small businesses with skills and ensured there is financial sustainability by engaging in income generating activities.
“Individuals with ideas that could increase the local economy and provide job opportunities are encouraged to visit our offices”, she said.
Tshiamo Motlhaba, from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), said they provide voucher services which are a non-financial support and are
free of charge. “A person needs an entrepreneurship certificate with a minimum of five days off course attendance or any relevant qualification with business modules in order to be eligible for our voucher service”.
Motlhaba said the NYDA appoints service providers when applicants need a quality business plan and they will cover the costs. An interview will be conducted to get the candidate’s in-depth understanding of their business plan.
Dr. Nomazulu Sibanda from Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, said the institution worked with active contractors who are advised to renew their memberships with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) every three years. There are about ten thousand contractors with gradings between 1 and 2 of those 51% are headed by women.
“We need more women contractors in other grades because that is where big projects are at. In the Northern Cape we have over 1 800 active contractors of which 80% are classed grade 1.
With regards to the provincial finances, we have a leaking bucket because grade 8 and 9 construction tenders are done by other service providers who are from other provinces. This means that the money that is received by the Northern Cape province from national treasury is injected into other provinces and that needs to change”, she said.
Those interested in doing construction business with government are advised to register with Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB). All grades are advised to register online via the CIDB website.
It takes 48 working hours to process an application and activate a grade 1 license on the system. For grades 2 to 9 candidates are advise to visit their nearest CIDB provincial office to apply for registration.
Khadi Moloi, a small business operator, said she valued the initiative brought by Mme Re Ka Thuso trust fund and the inclusion of relevant stakeholders. “As an aspiring businesswoman seeking to take on the construction business which is a male dominated environment, my aim is to leave a legacy for my children. I want to lead by example and to never fear to break barriers for my self-development”.
Moloi said small businesses failed because of lack of research and being financially greedy. “I advise my fellow, ambitious entrepreneurs to do in-depth research and look what is scarce in the community which could bring development. Being financially motivated is the beginning of being doomed”.
The workshop guests were treated to a gala later that evening with the Magareng mayor in attendance. The workshop closed on Wednesday.
The NYDA voucher programme can be applied for online at www.nyda.gov.za.
THE CIDB registration portal is: www.cidb.org.za.
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