Neasa head accuses government departments of failing Ramaphosa directive
The departments of Trade and Industry, and Labour have been accused of undermining President Cyril Ramaphosa’s agenda to grow small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In his maiden state of the nation address in February, Ramaphosa’s emphasised the importance of SMEs for the growth of the economy. He said government would set aside at least 30% of public procurement for SMEs, co-operatives and township and rural enterprises, and would continue to invest in small business incubation. The president also committed government to reduce the red tape hampering small business. According to the National Development Plan, 90% of new jobs will be created by SMEs by 2030. In an opinion piece on Monday the CEO of the National Employers’ Association of SA (Neasa), Gerhard Papenfus, said "these departments [trade and industry, and labour] are undermining the president’s agenda." "Since 2011 the Department of Labour has unlawfully extended unaffordable collective bargaining (wage) agreements in...
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