Ntshavheni was answering oral questions in the National Council of Provinces yesterday, showcasing her dedication and commitment to serving the people of South Africa.
The Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, was at the forefront of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) yesterday, as she answered oral questions from members of parliament. This session was a testament to her unwavering determination to improve the lives of small business owners and entrepreneurs in the country.
Ntshavheni, who has been in office for just over a year, has already made significant strides in promoting and supporting small businesses. Her passion and drive for this sector have been evident in her actions and the results achieved thus far.
During the session, Ntshavheni was asked about the progress of the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, which aims to create job opportunities for young people through partnerships with the private sector. The Minister proudly shared that over 53,000 young people have been placed in jobs through this program, exceeding the initial target of 50,000. This is a significant achievement, considering the high unemployment rate among the youth in South Africa.
She also addressed concerns about the support given to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ntshavheni highlighted the various relief measures put in place by the government, including the SMME Debt Relief Scheme and the Business Growth/Resilience Facility. These initiatives have provided much-needed financial support to struggling small businesses during these challenging times.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the success of the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP), which has assisted over 1,100 township and rural enterprises to access funding, training, and market opportunities. This program has been crucial in promoting economic growth in underdeveloped areas and creating much-needed jobs.
Ntshavheni’s responses during the session were well-informed and backed by concrete data, demonstrating her knowledge and understanding of the small business sector. Her clear and concise communication style was also commendable, making it easy for members of parliament and the public to follow the discussions.
In addition to her achievements in promoting small businesses, Ntshavheni has also been a strong advocate for gender equality and women empowerment. She has been instrumental in launching the Women in Infrastructure Development and Energy (WINDE) program, which aims to increase the participation of women in the infrastructure and energy sectors. This initiative has seen over 100 women receiving training and mentorship, with some even securing contracts in the construction and energy industries.
Ntshavheni’s leadership and dedication have not gone unnoticed, with many praising her for her hands-on approach and commitment to delivering tangible results. Her passion for small business development is evident in her actions, as she consistently seeks ways to improve and support this vital sector of the economy.
In conclusion, Ntshavheni’s performance in the NCOP session yesterday was a reflection of her unwavering commitment to serving the people of South Africa. Her impressive track record and proactive approach have brought much-needed hope and opportunities to small business owners and entrepreneurs in the country. As she continues to lead the Small Business Development Department, we can be assured that she will continue to be a driving force in promoting economic growth and creating a better future for all South Africans.
