The Portfolio Committee on Small Business and Development has noted the potential that collaboration with private sector companies could bring for rural fresh produce suppliers in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Ms Ruth Bhengu, said this is the kind of cooperation and collaboration that promises to help South Africa achieve its job creation targets and enhance poverty alleviation efforts.
“The collaboration between the rural projects and private retail giants like Spar and Pick ‘n Pay is testimony that if the private sector is roped in, a lot could be achieved. Collapsed projects in rural areas can only mean poverty for our people and are in fact a hurdle to rural development,” Ms Bhengu said.
The Committee is currently undertaking an oversight visit of small business enterprises and small rural initiatives in KZN, Eastern Cape and Gauteng.
She called on impoverished municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, especially those around Ugu District which is a presidential poverty nodal point, to focus on reviving projects geared towards job creation, and poverty alleviation.
“South Africa should ideally be a developmental state, where the state assisted citizen uplift themselves, and not a welfare state. This is the premise on which the Department on Small Business Development was founded,” Ms Bhengu said.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Sibongile Maputi
Tel: 021 403 8041
Cell: 081 052 6060
E-mail: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
