One of the greatest impediments to economic growth and job creation in South Africa is the failure of the government to take the small business sector seriously, says the CEO of the Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut, Ernest Messina. The government is out of sync with the global trend that sees SMEs as a major engine of economic growth and jobs, he says. The once all-white Afrikaans business chamber, which boasts corporate giant Sanlam among its members, committed itself at its conference in Durban last week to fighting for small and medium-size enterprises. Although the Department of Small Business Development and ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize, who gave the keynote address, make the right noises, Messina says it has been all talk but little action. "There is much talk about the sector but not enough tangible support from government to suggest that SMEs are being taken seriously." When the government talks about its relationship with business it means big business, he says. "We're say...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.