Current Edition >> Archives Section >> Editorial Comments >> April 2001
Ontwikkelingsklimaat
Ná die 2001 Nasionale Begrotingsrede is 'n sterk ekonomiese groeikoers vir SA voorspel,
maar die fisiese tekens lyk anders: Werkloosheid styg, die rand val na nuwe laagteounte,
rekordbankrotskappe in die landboubedryf, die buitelandse beleggingstroom raak al dunner,
ens. Ons sê: Kry die ontwikkelingsklimaat in die land reg en dan sal spontane ontwikkeling 'n hele paar knellende probleme outomaties oplos en kan Suid-Afrika 'n ware tuiste word vir al sy inwoners. Begin by die basiese: Die drie primêre funksies van die sentrale regering is, eerstens, beskerm die bevolking teen indringers van buite, wat vandag insluit armlastige immigrante, dwelmsmouse, ekonomiese vrybuiters e.d.m; tweedens beskerm die burgers teen misdaad; en, derdens, handhaaf die integriteit van die geldeenheid. Ons wil 'n vierde byvoeg: Verwyder statutêre diskriminasie tussen inwoners. Eers as ons in so 'n situasie kan kom - so 'n ontwikkelingsklimaat kan skep - sal ons noemenswaardige ekonomiese groei beleef kan word.
Rearing its head
Having said the above, we must acknowledge at the same time there is clear evidence of a
very resilient economy rearing its head against the odds. Of this, this edition of The
Business Bulletin is a reflection: Look for instance at the genuine attempt by SALGA to
make developmental local government work; the first ever developmental elements in
provincial government budgets; the ambitions development projects involving billions of
rand being planned for the Gauteng ( despite the relevance of "gangsters
paradise"); the refreshed drive by a medium-sized city like Bloemfontein to attract
new investors; and umpteen other significant development plans (big and small) underway in
various centres. It's encouraging - being part of the indomitable spirit of man and the
grace of God. Think of what this country can be if the restraints could be gotten rid of !
South Africa could even be the No.1 emerging economy in the world.
National SMME indaba
While it is all the more generally accepted that economic growth and job creation in SA
depend on development of and performance by the SMMEsector, it is also clear that the SMME
sector is so wide - ranging and diversified, with so many facets and currents, that it
would take a supernatural effort to get the SMME act in SA together. However, in order to
create a platform for such an effective, overall SMME operational plan, it is suggested
that the Dept. of Trade & Industry takes the initiative for organizing a national SMME
indaba involving all stakeholders and roleplayers. This should perhaps be tackled best by
activating relevant sectoral working groups, eventuating into a twoday national SMME
indaba and then carried on towards implementation by sustaining working groups. An enormous task, but is there another viable option than such a national SMME indaba ?
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