Analysis of DSBD and SEDFA Annual Performance Plan: AGSA input

Video Annual Performance Plan (APP) of Government Departments & Entities 2026/27 The Committee meeting focused on oversight of the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and its entities, beginning with a briefing from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) on its proactive review of the 2026/27 annual performance plans. The AGSA highlighted persistent challenges across the portfolio, particularly weaknesses in performance measurement, unreliable verification processes, and unclear indicators, especially regarding job creation. While planning frameworks were generally sound, concerns were raised about the credibility of reported outcomes, the lack of a standardised methodology to measure jobs created and sustained, and ongoing governance issues within entities such as the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency. Members emphasised that these shortcomings undermined accountability and service delivery. The AGSA confirmed that these issues would be further assessed in the upcoming audit cycle, and noted the Department’s commitment to improving methodologies and systems. Members of the Committee stressed the urgency of addressing job creation measurement, institutional instability, and red tape affecting small businesses. There was strong support for convening a joint meeting with the Portfolio Committee on Tourism to address concerns related to the Tourism Equity Fund, as well as calls to include entities such as the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission in upcoming engagements. Members also debated the Committee’s programme, particularly how to structure engagements with metropolitan municipalities. While there was agreement on the need for comparative oversight, concerns were raised about time constraints, leading to a consensus on a phased approach to ensure meaningful engagement. The Committee agreed to postpone the adoption of its second term programme to allow the Secretariat to incorporate Members’ proposals. Key adjustments included prioritising urgent items such as the joint tourism meeting, refining the red tape workshop, and scheduling metro engagements in manageable groups. The Secretariat would revise the programme and present it at the next meeting for final consideration and adoption.