The Department of Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs' (Destea) MEC, Makalo Mohale, says a lot of countries’ economies are mostly dependent on small businesses, even though they still do need big businesses. If small businesses in the municipality are not getting support, economic growth will be delayed. He says the department has plans in place to ensure that entrepreneurs do not duplicate businesses and end up fighting over opportunities.

“MEC Mohale says as part of their plans, the department will work closely with municipalities to regulate business operations. He adds that big businesses will be urged to spend a stipulated percentage on supporting black-owned or local businesses to support the township economy.”

Mohale adds that the Free State Government, under the leadership of Premier Ntombela, has decided that, to empower the local economy, they need to focus mostly on agriculture, as it holds the economy of the province. He further says they aim to also support key contributors to those contributing greatly to the economy, which are entrepreneurs. Thus, they need skills development and funding amongst other support.

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OFM News previously reported that more opportunities are expected to be presented to the youth and entrepreneurs of the Dihlabeng Local Municipality in the Eastern Free State on Tuesday 11 October 2022. The spokesperson of the Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (Destea), Mojalefa Mphapang, said the department would be launching a new programme to connect entrepreneurs with relevant departments that can assist them in ensuring the growth and support for their businesses.

OFM News/Mpho Mohapi