“I am concerned that even in 2015 we are still discussing issues that were raised as back as 2009. We cannot discuss forever, we need to take action and where there are problems we should be able to indicate that to the people who expect government’s assistance”. This was the message of MEC for Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs , Sam Mashinini, speaking to a group of Free State Entrepreneurs who have approached the Free State Legislature’s ANC Caucus with their expectations from the department.
The engagement championed by the ANC Chief Whip in the Free State Legislature, Honourable Neels van Rooyen, was the first in the series of similar opportunities and platforms made available by the ANC Caucus for members of the public to engage with their public representatives. This, it is believed, is the bold step taken by the Legislature and the Executive to introduce Social Media as an effective communication platform, between the Government and the Citizens.
In his inaugural address to members of the public since taking over as the MEC for Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, MEC Mashinini assured participants that public engagements like this one provides government with an opportunity to listen to what the people’s expectations are and above all ensures that the government is accountable to the people.
MEC Mashinini, however, was firm in emphasising that those who need assistance from government should be prepared to work hard to demonstrate their commitment to their course. “Once you have been assisted, you should be able to fly so that government can be able to assist others. We cannot have a situation where a member of the public virtually lives in the department chasing opportunities and blocking others from accessing the assistance”.
Outlining the department’s business process support to SMMEs and Cooperative, Ms Gadija Brown Acting DDG Economic Affairs mentioned, registration, development of a business plan, access to skills, business compliance, access to markets, access to finance, access to incentives and ongoing support and monitoring as the critical path to be travelled by any business to ensure success.
Enquiries ranged from request from office space, equipment to improve business to financial support.
MEC Mashinini committed his department in supporting emerging businesses in the free state on condition that every business person supported provides regular report on progress they are making.
He made a commitment for a follow up to look at the progress 12 commitments he made to the group. Where there are problems, the MEC has committed to provide feedback at the earliest possible time.
For more details please contact:
Kgotso Tau
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