In an effort to support the growth and sustainability of small businesses, Deputy Minister for Small
Business Development (DSBD), Ms. Dipuo Peters, accompanied by the MEC for Department of
Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Ms. Virginia Tlhapi,
Kgosi Jacob Mathibe of Bahwaduba Tribal Council, and Moretele Local Municipality Mayor, Mr.
George Manyike and other Councilors, visited the Moretele Local Municipality recently, where she
handed over much-needed business equipment and machinery to 68 informal traders, in
Mathibestadt, in the Moretele Local Municipality.
The handover ceremony forms part of the DSBD’s Informal Micro Enterprise Development
Programme (IMEDP) which is a specially designed program aimed at empowering and developing
informal traders, by equipping them with the necessary skills and tools to effectively manage their
businesses.
Speaking at the event, MEC Virginia Tlhapi indicated that the handover ceremony marked another
government’s efforts directed toward the creation of an enabling environment as the informal
economy has demonstrated potential in improving the economy of the country. “The ceremony also
shows the government’s commitment towards uplifting informal businesses and promoting
economic inclusivity. We trust that the equipment handed over to the IMEDP beneficiaries will
empower our informal traders and enhance their capacity to succeed in their respective sectors, and
enable them to contribute meaningfully to the mainstream economy and job creation”, said MEC
Tlhapi.
The MEC further encouraged IMEDP beneficiaries on the importance of registering their businesses,
mentioning that formal enterprises stand a chance to benefit more from other government
intervention programs provided by DEDECT and other Developmental Finance Institutions (DFIs).
MEC Tlhapi amongst other things, made a call to DSBD and DEDECT to conduct a needs analysis
on the informal traders in all municipalities within the province to respond to the challenges faced
with for the development and growth of their businesses.
The Deputy Minister, Ms. Dipuo Peters, in her address, indicated that nothing is more fulfilling than
seeing government service delivery promises made to the people translating into practicality,
thereby expressing her enthusiasm for the IMEDP and the positive impact on their livelihoods.
According to the Deputy Minister, the government needs to support informal traders, to drive
economic growth and create more job opportunities. “
Through the IMEDP, we are not only providing essential equipment but also empowering informal
traders to reach their full potential. With the tools of trade provided through this program, our informal
traders will have a greater chance of success and contribute to the overall development of their
region”. The Deputy Minister also thanked DEDECT, Municipalities, and the local tribal council for
their collaborative effort, reiterating that it is only through working together that we can achieve more.
One of the IMEDP beneficiaries, Ms. Ntobifuthi Ngomezulu, relayed her gratitude to the DSBD for
keeping up to their promises of assisting them with equipment that will grow their businesses. She
also encouraged other community members’ especially young people to utilize government
assistance programs for the betterment of their lives. She urges them to take action and not wait
for opportunities to come to them
The IMEDP continues to make strides in empowering informal traders and stimulating economic
growth in various communities across the country. The government through initiatives like these is
actively working towards instilling the spirit of entrepreneurship, especially amongst young people,
women, and people with disability. The ceremony was supported by the Bahwaduba Tribal Council,
Bojanala District Municipality, and Moretele Local Municipality.
#ENDS#
Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism
For inquiries please contact:
Departmental Spokesperson,
Mr. Jerry Matebesi
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect
Facebook: @nwdedect