Parliament satisfied with oversight visit to Limpopo

The Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development is satisfied with the information gathered on the state of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperatives in Limpopo

 

“We are confident that the engagements we had with numerous SMMEs and cooperatives were informative enough and provided us with a clear picture on the state of SMMEs and cooperatives in the province,” said Ms Ruth Bhengu, Chairperson of the Committee.   

 

The Committee visited Ximambani Construction Cooperative and Twanani Bead Work Cooperative in Mopani district yesterday following a two-day visit to Vhembe last week on Thursday and Friday.   Also yesterday, it assessed the National School Nutrition Policy which will create a platform for cooperatives to participate in the supply value chain in Thomo Village.   

 

Ms Bhengu said the Committee looked at five criteria to assess the state of SMMEs and cooperatives which were visited. They were: access to finance, access to market, infrastructure, technical skills development and integrated support from different spheres of government and departments. 

 

“Although we are encouraged that communities are beginning to understand the concept of a cooperative and wanted to created jobs for themselves, we have also noted that a lot still needed to be done by the Department of Small Business Development and its relevant sister departments to develop these businesses,” she said. 

 

The Ximambani Construction Cooperative is located in Mahlathi Village outside Giyani and was established in 2008. Their core businesses include supply of river sand, crushing stones, production of paving and building bricks, and construction work. 

 

The Twanani Bead Work Cooperative is located in Muyexe Village and was also established in 2008 with the aim of creating jobs for the members and preserving the artistic skill of making traditional jewelry with beads.    

 

The Committee will wrapping up its visit to the province today with a visit to Senwabarwana Market Stalls, and Senamoriri Stone Crusher and Brick Making Cooperative in the Capricorn district.  
    

Enquiries:

Justice Molafo 

Tel: 021 403 8444

Cell: 081 424 7481

Email: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za