SMMEs are the unsung heroes in the South African economy – Deputy Minister Moloi
The Department of Employment and Labour Deputy Minister, Boitumelo Moloi, says the Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) persevere, innovate, and overcome the most formidable odds in all corners of South Africa.
Deputy Minister Moloi was earlier today (27 October 2023), delivering a keynote address during the 44th National Productivity Awards – which were hosted by the Department’s Productivity SA entity – in Midrand.
Moloi said the Annual Productivity SA National Awards are not only a celebration; but “they are a testament to the remarkable journey of progress and commitment”.
“These awards are a testament to the tenacity and ingenuity of our SMMEs. In every corner of our country, they persevere, innovate, and overcome the most formidable odds. They do not seek the spotlight, but they certainly deserve it. They are the unsung heroes of our economy, and our commitment to empowering them remains steadfast.
“Today, as we gather to celebrate productivity excellence, we must also recognise the challenges South Africa faces. Unemployment remains a pressing concern for our nation, and it's a challenge that touches the very heart of the National Development Plan (NDP). This plan outlines our vision for a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous South Africa,” said the Deputy Minister.
The awarding ceremony was also meant to celebrate excellence and innovation in productivity and employment promotion in South Africa.
The National Productivity Awards ceremony is an annual event that celebrates and recognises the remarkable achievements of SMMEs that have demonstrated excellence in successfully implementing impactful and sustainable productivity initiatives, which have demonstrated outstanding productivity growth, employment expansion, wealth creation, and social responsibility as a result of productivity improvement initiatives.
This year, the Awards ceremony marked 44 years of existence and they continue to play a pivotal role in shaping a culture of productivity in South Africa.
The awarding of SMMEs commends the dedication and tireless efforts of successfully implementing productivity improvement initiatives and has demonstrated the commitment to improving productivity and driving economic growth.
“The Productivity Awards are more than accolades; they are the embodiment of a collective dream. A dream that envisions a South Africa where every business, regardless of its size, thrives; where every worker, irrespective of their background, prospers; and where our nation, as a whole, surges toward a brighter tomorrow,” said Deputy Minister Moloi.
The Productivity SA CEO, Mothunye Mothiba, said: “Particularly those entrepreneurs in the townships and the rural economies…there is a solution to their productivity and capability challenges, and that lies with this entity of the Department of Employment and Labour.”
For media inquiries, kindly contact:
Teboho Thejane
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 697 0694
E-mail: Teboho.Thejane@labour.gov.za
