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IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Stella Ndabeni unveils R2. 9 billion budget to empower small businesses
Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni has outlined several financing package schemes to fund Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in the 2025/26 financial year Image: Simphiwe Mbokazi / Independent Newspapers Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni on Friday tabled in the National Assembly her department's R2.9 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year. Speaking during the budget vote debate, Ndabeni said the budget reflected their unwavering commitment to the spirit of the Freedom Charter. 'We are building a more inclusive economy that enables youth, women, and communities in townships and rural areas to participate meaningfully in shaping South Africa's future through Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) development,' she said. Ndabeni also said R2.4 billion of the budget will be transfers and subsidies to the department's entities, while the remaining R468 million was meant for compensation of employees at R265 million, R197 million for goods and services, and R6 million in capital expenditure. 'Of the R2.45 billion for transfers and subsidies, the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) receives R1.908 billion (77.9% of the transfers and subsidies). The department manages the remaining R542.6 million, accounting for 22.1% of the total transfers.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The minister said the department has allocated just R990m in entrepreneurship finance packages to the Development Fund, which is meant for new entrants and higher risk borrowers, and R330m to the Commercial Fund for the growth-ready MSMEs. 'We will launch a new Youth Entrepreneurship Fund, initially capitalised at R300m. This fund is aimed at harnessing the creativity and innovation of our younger generation to contribute to the country's growth through entrepreneurial ventures,' she said. 'We will launch the new Women Entrepreneurship Fund, also initially capitalised at R300 million, to enable more women to be self-employed as entrepreneurs and small business owners.' Ndabeni added that R979m in credit guarantees will be allocated for small enterprise borrowers. 'These credit guarantees remain an important part of our offerings, leveraging banks and non-bank financial institutions to take on MSME borrowers that are above their ordinary risk tolerance.' On township and rural economy development, Ndabeni said they will build 50 small business hubs for entrepreneurs and MSMEs in each district. 'Aligned to local industrialisation opportunities, these will be spread across the townships and rural areas, and will integrate the financial and non-financial services we offer as a portfolio. 'We will also refurbish small industrial parks in four provinces - North West, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape,' she said. Ndabeni also said digital transformation of small businesses will be at the centre, as township and rural enterprises often struggle to get access to reliable and affordable broadband services. 'Through SEDFA and as part of our mandate to finance small businesses, we will support 50 internet service providers across 50 districts to provide the necessary affordable, quality broadband to small enterprises and communities in rural areas. 'This intervention will not only deliver affordable broadband to small enterprises and communities, but will bring ownership of telecommunications infrastructure to people who have never owned such infrastructure before and create jobs for the youth.' The department will also support two cellphone repair centres in 50 districts. 'We have budgeted R958.7 million over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), and R310.8 million for 2025/26. SEDFA will also contribute R253 million over the MTEF.' According to Ndabeni, a total of R543m has been allocated for the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme to empower local businesses in order to drive economic growth and job creation in historically disadvantaged areas.
The Citizen
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
MP Department of Education slated for R22 million annual school rent
The Mpumalanga education department has failed to build a facility for deaf learners for over a decade. The Mpumalanga department of education has been lambasted for paying rent of R22 million a year to a private school that accommodates pupils with disabilities, instead of building a facility that was promised 14 years ago. This has angered education experts and the association representing disabled people who want the matter to be investigated. Mpumalanga education MEC Cathy Dlamini confirmed during a recent education portfolio committee meeting that her department was paying Bukhosibetfu Private Boarding School in Nkomazi local municipality R22 million a year to teach and accommodate 253 deaf pupils. 'It does not make sense' Disabled People South Africa provincial chair Oupa Zitha accused the department of not taking the needs of pupils with disabilities seriously. 'The special school that they are delaying to build would have cost them only R15 million,' said Zitha. 'It does not make any sense for them to pay rent of R22 million, but failing to build the school.' He said officials come with excuses when asked why the project is delayed. 'They told us they have not yet identified a site to build on,' said Zitha. ALSO READ: Gauteng government splashes R2.9 million on near-empty office used mainly for photocopies, says DA Lack of commitment? Education expert Hendrick Makaneta said it was weird the government had been struggling to build a school for 14 years, yet it had been spending so much money on rent. Makaneta said the department's failure indicates a lack of commitment to address the needs of pupils with disabilities. 'Spending such a significant amount on rent does not make sense because it could have been redirected towards building and maintaining public facilities that cater to pupils with special needs,' he said. Call for action to be taken National Association of School Governing Bodies secretary-general Matakanya Matakanya said action should be taken against the negligent officials. 'We condemn this behaviour. This amount of money is supposed to help curriculum delivery. This failure needs to be investigated so that it can be established what has caused the delay,' said Matakanya. Department justifies rent Mpumalanga department of education spokesperson Jasper Zwane did not give specific answers on why the building of the school has been delayed. ALSO READ: KZN Education slams student violence at Lakehaven Secondary School [VIDEO] Instead, he justified his department's action of renting the facility. 'The department has ensured all 253 deaf pupils are accommodated in an environment conducive to quality education,' said Zwane. 'This initiative cannot be regarded as wasteful expenditure, as it directly supports the fulfilment of the pupils' constitutional right to basic education. 'Plans are being fast-tracked' 'Recognising the urgency and importance of a sustainable solution, the department has taken decisive action. One such measure involves the repurposing of Shongwe Boarding School to provide immediate support for these pupils. 'In addition, plans are being fast-tracked for the construction of a dedicated school for deaf and blind pupils in the Emalahleni local municipality. The planning and design phase for this new facility is at an advanced stage.' South African Human Rights Commission provincial manager Eric Mokonyama said: 'After several engagements about the promised school, we have received a commitment from the Office of the Premier that the construction of the facility will start in the 2025-26 financial year. 'We are working on receiving their plans so we can monitor implementation.' NOW READ: KZN education opens criminal case over teacher job scam
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Gauteng still the epicentre of violent crime, says DA
The party also raised alarm over the province's rape statistics, which contributed 19.1% to the national figure. Despite a slight drop in murder statistics, Gauteng remains South Africa's crime capital, leaving residents vulnerable and communities gripped by fear. This is according to the DA in Gauteng on Tuesday, which has called for urgent, targeted action to tackle violent crime in the province. Murder remains unacceptably high According to the fourth-quarter South African Police Service (Saps) crime statistics for 2024-2025, Gauteng recorded 1 439 murders, a 10.8% decrease from 1 614 in the same period the previous year. 'Of of these murders 765 happened in public places using firearms. This shows that criminals are running rampant with little fear of being caught in the act,' said DA Gauteng shadow MEC for community safety Crezane Bosch. The party also raised alarm over the province's rape statistics, which contributed 19.1% to the national figure, again placing Gauteng second. Of particular concern was the report that seven rape cases were reported at educational facilities. 'It is worrying that most rapes in the province continue to happen in the residences of the perpetrator or victim (859), followed by public places (336),' Bosch noted. ALSO READ: Gauteng government splashes R2.9 million on near-empty office used mainly for photocopies, says DA Amapanyaza under fire Bosch criticised premier Panyaza Lesufi's continued praise of his crime prevention initiative involving the deployment of crime wardens, also known as Amapanyaza. 'The truth is that Gauteng continues to fail to apply the basics of policing. Until this is fixed the province will remain a hub of crime,' she said. ALSO READ: DA reaffirms 'longstanding' opposition to expropriation with nil compensation DA outlines alternative crime strategy As an alternative, the DA has proposed a more coordinated and technology-driven approach. 'A DA-led provincial government in Gauteng would prioritise collaboration between provinces to combat criminals who move across borders to evade detection and prosecution,' Bosch said. She added that under a DA-led government, technology would be deployed in crime hotspots, particularly in townships rather than just central business districts. The party would also expand police infrastructure. 'The DA would increase the number of police stations, fill police vacancies and revitalise police reservists,' she said. NOW READ: Gauteng hospital security bill soars to R2.54bn amid patient care crisis
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Gauteng government splashes R2.9 million on near-empty office used mainly for photocopies
The Gauteng government owns 41 abandoned buildings and has resorted to leasing them as a 'temporary measure'. The Gauteng provincial government is under fire for not using its building in the Johannesburg CBD. Picture: Gauteng DA The Gauteng provincial government has been accused of using a building it is renting for R2.9 million per month solely for making photocopies. The building is believed to have five floors and is situated on 55 Fox Street in the Johannesburg CBD. DA members of the provincial legislatures in Gauteng, Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, told The Citizen that the party had been reliably informed that Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) staff would only use the building when there was a need to use the printer. Oversight inspection reveals empty building 'The DA Gauteng has been reliably informed that these offices are not being fully utilised but only used by GDE employees to make photocopies. 'This is unacceptable because the Gauteng Provincial Government pays R34 104 005,07 monthly for office rentals for various departments,' she said. Rasilingwane, along with other DA officials, went on an oversight inspection on Wednesday to investigate why the building is not being fully utilised. However, the team was stopped by security at reception. Rasilingwane said that when she arrived at the building in question, she was informed that it was not safe to enter. 'They told us that it is not safe to enter the building, but if that is the case, why is the province paying for this building? 'They told us people have been moved to the other building because that building is not meeting Occupational Health and Safety Standards,' she said. It was still not clear if the province is being billed municipal rates for that building. However, Rasilingwane said, upon investigation,n she discovered that the province rents five buildings from the same owner or company, 'This is a blatant waste of government money, and we need an explanation for this. 'I will be posing further questions in the legislature about what we know about these buildings and the exact reason why the education department cannot use a building that is being paid for monthly,' she said. The Citizen contacted the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to enquire about its office at 55 Fox Street. However, GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said the provincial Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) is best suited to respond to the questions about the building. 'Hi please interact with DID,' Mabona said. ActionSA laments wasteful expenditure Meanwhile, ActionSA provincial chairperson Funzi Ngobeni told The Citizen that he was alarmed by the amount of money being spent renting buildings for government departments. He said the provincial government owns 41 buildings which have been abandoned. 'This blatant display of mismanagement and inefficiency is a slap in the face to already overburdened taxpayers. 'This wasteful expenditure is a shocking indictment of government's fiscal mismanagement, poor asset oversight, and a total disregard for the efficient use of the public purse,' he said. Ngobeni said the province claimed that it is renting the buildings as a temporary measure. 'Whilst provincial leaders claim that this is a temporary measure, it is quite disturbing that over R2.2 billion has been wasted on office rentals in the past five financial years, indicating failure to appreciate the urgency of addressing this matter,' he said. Meanwhile, DID had committed to respond to questions from The Citizen with an explanation concerning the GDE building on Fox Street. However, no response had been received by the time of publication. ALSO READ: 'I'm viewing my options,' says Lesufi on availability for ANC's top positions Why is Gauteng renting buildings for staff? However, responding to Legislature questions recently, the MEC responsible, Jacob Mamabolo said the current buildings the province owns did not comply with Occupational Health and Safety Standards. 'The lack of maintenance resulted in deterioration of GPG-owned assets, primarily office buildings, compromising their overall condition and usability. 'As the custodian responsible for providing compliant office buildings to GPG User Departments, DID explored alternative solutions including leasing from third parties to ensure the provision of required office accommodation, thereby fulfilling its mandate,' he said. NOW READ: Gauteng government reveals R2 billion spent on office rentals in five years
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Gauteng government faces criticism over R34 million spent on unused buildings
The DA in Gauteng has decried the state of hired buildings by various provincial departments, which are reportedly spending more than R34 million monthly in leasing privately owned buildings while the province has its own buildings that are not being utilised. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) is reported to own no less than 41 unused buildings, while many of its departments continue to pay millions in rental fees. This is an assertion made by the DA in the province. According to the document from the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, 12 of these are in the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD) and the remaining 29 are in the Pretoria CBD. Due to financial constraints, most of these buildings do not meet Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards, making them unfit for use. The Democratic Alliance's (DA) provincial spokesperson for Infrastructure Development, Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, and a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, condemned the lack of accountability shown by the Gauteng government over reports that the province is paying over R34 million monthly in building leases instead of refurbishing its own properties to save costs. On Wednesday, Rasilingwane conducted an oversight visit to one of the buildings on Fox Street in the Joburg CBD, where she and her team were denied the right to go ahead with their oversight visit to the building. The building is said to be one of the properties currently being rented by the provincial government, while many of the buildings owned by the province are said to be rotting away unused. The party stated that it has been reliably informed by some of the employees, as well as through its communication channels within the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, following an oral reply to MEC for Infrastructure Development, Jacob Mamabolo, who has confirmed that indeed the province is paying millions in rental fees. "We wrote and sent questions to the MEC for Infrastructure Development, Jacob Mamabolo, who then responded to say the province has 41 buildings that are practically abandoned. We learned they are renting their head offices, including 11 buildings, one of which prevented our visit. This is a building meant to house the Department of Education. "We have just come out of this building where we have been denied access to conduct our visit when we have been reliably informed by some of the workers that the building is actually not being utilised while the government pays R2.9 million a month," she stated. Attempts to get a comment from the provincial Department of Infrastructure Development were unsuccessful at the time of going to print, with the Department of Education in the province having referred the matter to GDID for comment. The DA said it was unacceptable that the GPG pays R34 104 005,07 monthly for office rentals for various departments while the province has its buildings. "Following our oversight inspection, we will engage directly with the MEC for Infrastructure Development (GDID), Jacob Mamabolo, based on the findings," Rasilingwane further stated. [email protected]
