The Eastern Cape Department of Transport, Roads and Public works MEC Thandiswa Marawu has encouraged local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to register companies for opportunities that exist within the Government Fleet Trading Entity. The MEC was delivering a keynote address during her outreach programme at OR Tambo Hall in Mthatha on 16 March 2013.
The outreach was intended to inform SMMEs about the strategic objectives of the Trading Entity, as well as business opportunities that exist in Government fleet operations.
“We encourage local SMMEs to register companies for towing, Panel Beating, Mechanical, Tyre Suppliers, Vehicle maintenance (service), Manufacturing and Supply of Number plates and other services,” said MEC Marawu.
“We want to create new young artisans so that they can do apprenticeship in government so that minor repairs that do not exceed 5% can be done in-house,” she added.
She explained that this year the department was celebrating the first anniversary since the provincial government took over the management of fleet in line with the principles of the developmental state, where government is encouraged to take responsibility and run operations that can enhance service delivery and the development of our people.
The stakeholders were briefed about acceptable standards for each company to be registered on the Wesbank database and feature in the national database, and be considered when business opportunities comes to their respective areas, among other standards she mentioned are as follows: Company must have a Physical address, have a reasonable administration, site must be more safe and secured to accommodate state vehicles.
The session gave a chance for the stakeholders to have a better understanding of the processes and procedures on the maintenance, repairs, towing and disposal of Government vehicles.
The focus of the road shows will be on the following aspects:
- Doing business with Government and Merchants (Procedures and processes)
- Payments including procedure and payment cycle
- Registration to F/A as a merchant.
