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The DA in the Western Cape welcomes the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), and the National Department of Small Business Development (DSBD).

This MOU was announced by Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, on Thursday during a sitting of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament. It will see the different levels of government work together to encourage the take-up of incentives and support offered by both Provincial and National Governments, to small businesses.

It will also place a renewed focus on eliminating red tape that only serves as a handbrake on economic activity, especially as it relates to national legislation, policies, and business-facing services.

Going forward, I will be submitting questions to DEDAT regarding the details of this MOU, and how it will serve to boost the provincial economy and job creation by supporting small businesses - whether they be in rural or informal areas or owned by historically disenfranchised people.

The Department already has a dedicated Red Tape Reduction Unit, and it is good to see this provincial initiative extend into the national sphere. Since its inception in 2012 until January of this year, the Red Tape Reduction Unit has assisted more than 11 000 businesses in navigating existing red tape, as well as undertaking numerous bureaucratic simplification initiatives.

Our small business owners are struggling under the weight of rolling blackouts, and they must be informed of all government funding and support available so that we can not only ensure economic recovery but also growth.

Unemployment is the root of many of the problems facing South Africa, and the DA will always look for innovative ways to collaborate with all levels of government to enable the private sector to create much-needed jobs.

Issued by Cayla Murray, MPP - DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Finance, Economic Opportunities and Tourism