Overview of the Small Enterprise Amendment Act; Five-Year Review on Small Business Development; Public Participation/Involvement

Tracking the Implementation of the State Capture Commission Recommendations The Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development convened to receive briefings from Parliament’s Public Participation Office, the Department of Small Business Development, and the Researcher of the Portfolio Committee. The briefings covered public involvement in the legislative process concerning bills before committees, an overview of the National Small Enterprise Amendment Act, 2024, and a five-year review of small business development from 2019 to 2024. Regarding the significance of prioritising public participation, questions arose about when public participation became standard practice in legislation and whether a Bill could still become an Act without following this process. There was also a request for clarification on how the success of public participation would be evaluated. Concerns were raised about the metrics for measuring success, particularly whether the number of attendees at consultations was the sole indicator. A request was made to allow for written questions to facilitate clearer communication, especially for those who preferred not to ask multiple questions in a single meeting. Logistical issues were also highlighted. Suggestions included exploring creative methods for meetings that extend beyond physical gatherings. Queries were raised regarding transportation for community members living far from venues and the dissemination of information in areas without community radio stations. Members stressed the importance of capitalising on opportunities to engage effectively with communities. The need for better representation of communities, particularly those who speak vernacular languages, was underscored. Concerns were voiced that workshops linked to the National Small Business Amendment Bill were not adequately engaging communities, prompting questions about who was responsible for these workshops at the municipal level. As the meeting continued, broader discussions on small business development ensued. Concerns were expressed regarding the lack of progress on prior recommendations and the need for a clear timeline for addressing ongoing issues. The importance of providing tangible information to assist both Committee Members and the public was reiterated. Members raised inquiries related to the role of cooperative banks, budget management, and empowering municipalities to navigate permit issues effectively. A proposal was made to implement an activity tracker to bolster oversight capabilities, while concerns about recent mergers impacting unemployment rates were also raised. Discussions included the bureaucratic processes related to establishing the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA) and the need to ensure the Ombud's independence. Insights into the legislative environment affecting funding access were shared, alongside confirmation of ongoing collaboration with the Department of Basic Education to promote entrepreneurship education.