Mnquma Local Municipality business fraternity have called on municipal bosses to host the supply chain workshop, which serves as an annual information-sharing platform between the local government institution and the local business fraternity, more regularly.
Municipal manager, Silumko Mahlasela, said the workshop seeks to promote transparency and assist emerging entrepreneurs with relevant information to comply with the legislative requirements of conducting business with the state.
Over 300 business owners braved persistent rains and attended a recent workshop which was held under a large marquee at the Butterworth Monument, ahead of the Easter weekend.
Various government entities, such as local banks and sector departments, including the Treasury, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), South African Revenue Services (SARS), the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and the Department of Labour, outlined their compliance requirements and took questions from the audience.
“We want to grow the local economy through helping small businesses grow. We want people to be aware of what is expected from them during the tendering processes. We are giving them the information they need in terms of compliance with the laws of country, the Municipal Finance Management Act and other relevant legislation,” said Mahlasela.
“This platform also puts paid to myths and gossip that certain people are preferred over others in the allocation of tenders. Our aim is to have every service provider in Mnquma benefiting from government projects. In that way we can help them to unlock job opportunities and fight poverty,” he added.
Local businessman, Siphelo Teba, said business owners needed to be trained on relevant legislation, at least quarterly.
“There are people who have recently lost their jobs or been retrenched and want to venture into the tendering business. So quarterly meetings will help them get the necessary information within a reasonably short space of time,” he said.
“This information assists us greatly, as locals because, for instance, we did not know that we can get funding from banks so easily. I am glad I was part of this event because now I know where to go,”
Local businesswoman, operating in the construction industry, Nomvuyo Ngcebetsha, said the workshop had shed more light regarding documentation and grading criteria as a contractor.
“The municipal chief financial officer (Mzusekho Matomane) carefully outlined all the processes in a clear manner that was very easy to understand.
“This municipality has a strategic advantage in terms of its location. It is on the N2 and is like a conduit for everyone travelling around the country, so there’s a lot of potential for business to thrive,” said Ngcebetsha.
In response to calls for similar platforms to be hosted regularly, Mahlasela said individual business owners were welcome to approach the municipal offices for information at their own convenience.
