6 October 2019
A decision by the ANC to start a process of consolidating funding agencies, at a special national executive committee meeting, is to be welcomed – for reasons different to what the ANC says.
We concur, though, with the ANC that the move will help streamline funding, introduce efficiencies by eliminating duplication, and ensure, hopefully, that small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) receive due assistance as expeditiously as it is possible.
The issues, though, run deep. We believe that this country owes itself an honest conversation about the role played by small businesses – not just in creating employment, which is an important factor on its own – but for their impact on the economy.
National Treasury research, conducted in partnership with the World Bank, shows that SMMEs contribute between 50% and 60% of the workforce and contribute 34% to the country’s economy. Comparatively, SMMEs contribution in bigger economies like China and the US is at over 60%, meaning we have serious ground to cover.
Further, what also imperils small businesses is that the local funding agencies are mostly used to fund businesses with links to the ruling party. While the creation of a major funding organisation might eliminate duplication, it will not vicariously imbue fairness to the system.
A month ago, this newspaper reported on how more than 30 000 SMMEs were liquidated between 2013 and this year, underscoring a lack of support for this sector. If government could spend billions bailing out state-owned enterprises like Eskom and SABC, we believe there’s a case for decisive intervention in this important sector.
Etzebeth must come back and face music
Springbok player Eben Etzebeth should be recalled from the Rugby World Cup in Japan to answer to allegations of assault, brandishing a firearm and hate speech.
An aggressive and drunk Etzebeth, according to a weekend newspaper, allegedly racially abused and assaulted Coloured members of the Langebaan Yacht Club on August 24, calling them with the h-word.
This is after one of the Coloured members requested one of Etzebeth’s friends to take off his cap as per the rules of the club.
Apparently Etzebeth and his crew, who are not members of the club, took exception to this, and attacked Coloured members.
On Friday, the Human Rights Commission filed four applications on behalf of two claimants – Enver Wilsnach and Siyaad Smith – at the Equality Court. If the actions attributed to Etzebeth are proven true, the harshest punishment should be meted out.
The allegations facing Etzebeth are of a serious nature and are already dividing South Africans along racial lines. His stay in Japan should be cut short, and he should come back to face the music.
