The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey figures from Stats SA have once again put the role of small businesses in the broader economy in the spotlight. CEO of Small Business Institute, John Dludlu says support and interventions for the Small and Medium Enterprises sector as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are uncoordinated.
He was speaking at a virtual session of the seventh annual Science Forum South Africa under the theme; “Increasing Support for Underserved SMEs”.
The session brought together stakeholders from both public and private sectors, who engaged on challenges and opportunities for businesses in townships and rural areas.
Small businesses say not enough support was extended to them as they navigate the effects of the pandemic.
Dludlu is calling for the redesign of solutions to include the SME sector.
He says policymakers need to hear the voices of the small business sector.
