Opening speech by Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams at the National SMMEs and Co-operatives Summit.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY THE MINISTER FOR SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS (MP), ON THE OCCASION OF THE SMALL ENTERPRISE AND CO-OPERATIVES POLICY DIALOGUE

Minister for Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams and Deputy Minister Sidumo Dlamini handed over equipment and working material as part of the Department's Informal Micro Enterprise Development Programme and Point of Sales equipment in Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal. The total of 36 small businesses from rural and township areas operating in various sectors such spaza shops, clothing , textile, tshisanyama, butcheries , personal care, salons and automotive were supported.

The Department of Small Business Development is an equal opportunity & affirmative action employer. It is the DSBD’s intention to promote representativity (race, gender, youth & disability). The candidature of persons whose transfer/promotion/appointment will promote representativity will receive preference.

The Department of Small Business Development is conducting a Workshop on the Co-operatives Development Support Programme in Waterberg District, Thabazimbi Local Municipality aimed at encouraging Co-operatives to submit applications for the Programme.

Minister  for Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams in partnership with King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality (KSD) handed over tools and equipment to 36 informal traders in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. The beneficiaries are part of the Informal Micro Enterprise Development Programme.

Minister for Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni- Abrahams in partnership with Matatiele Local Municipality handed over tools and equipment to 33 informal traders in Matatiele , Eastern Cape. The beneficiaries are part of the Department's Informal Micro Enterprise Development Programme, a 100% grant offered to Informal and Micro Enterprises aimed to assist them in improving their competitiveness and sustainability.