Red Tape Reduction Unit resolves 90% of queries

The Red Tape Reduction Unit has logged over 1 000 queries in the past year, with a 90% resolution rate. Next week the unit resumes its radio awareness campaign aimed at informing small businesses about the service.

Alan Winde, MEC of Economic Opportunities, said the Red Tape Call Centre had logged 1 475 calls in this financial year.

“Despite our efforts, we know that red tape remains a critical hindrance in growing the economy. Nationally, unnecessary regulations cost our economy R79 billion each year. Since establishing our Red Tape Reduction Unit in 2011, we have opened more than 2 000 cases, with resolution rates consistently over 80%. The unit is changing the brand of the Western Cape by sending a clear message that in this province, we are doing our best to make it easy for business to do business,” said MEC Winde.

One of the most common queries the Red Tape Call Centre has received is from residents wanting to know how they can start their own business.

“One of biggest success stories in past two months is the opening of Inam Creche in Franschhoek. A Dutch NPO planned to open the crèche as a social investment, but after lengthy bureaucratic delays in obtaining approvals from the municipality, the project was close to being halted.

This situation was brought to my attention by one of the international donors last year. After an intervention by the Red Tape Reduction Unit, the approvals were received and the crèche was opened in April.”

MEC Winde urged small businesses to contact the unit. “The only way the unit can assist is if businesspeople contact them. In this way, we can also understand what the underlying problems are in the business or government environment and start to influence system changes,” said MEC Winde.

For any red tape related queries, please call the Western Cape Government Red Tape Call Centre on 0861 888 126. You can also visit the Walk-in Centre at eG4C, 142 Long Street, Cape Town.

For media queries, kindly contact:
Bronwynne Jooste
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 082 454 4365
E-mail: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za

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