BUSINESS NEWS - Twenty small business owners from Pacaltsdorp received some smart phones during a handover by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, to improve their access to digital opportunities and help their businesses grow.
Malatsi said the devices will give these business owners access to broader communities. Smart devices are no longer merely a luxury, but have become a necessity, however, for smaller businesses, capital is a major obstacle.
Malatsi stressed that SMMEs (small, medium and micro enterprises) must be supported.
"The future of job creation honestly lies in the success and capability and the support SMMEs get. The more SMMEs are provided with infrastructure support, the greater the chances of increased economic activity and success and the more entrepreneurs we'll have, and the more people will be absorbed and employed."
Malatsi said if everyone has the basic tools to participate in the digital economy, they would be enabled to succeed and ultimately improve the quality of life for their family, their community and their local municipality.
The handover took place at the iHub in Pacaltsdorp on Wednesday 18 March and was also attended by George's Mayor Browen Johnson.
Two of the entrepreneurs who received devices and exhibited at the event, Sandra Christians of The Thread Fairy, who offers corporate and school clothing design and manufacturing as well as embroidery, and Gayleen Tobias, owner of Building Blocks Day Care Centre in Groeneweide Park.
Noleen du Preez, principal of Diepkloof Kleuterskool, gets a handshake from Minister Solly Malatsi after receiving her smart device.
A guest at the event, Franklin Simmers of MTN, Luwayda Trantraal of the Pacaltsdorp Community Business Association, and Amy Kearns of Ardù Creations, which makes jewellery containing dried fynbos in resin.
The business owners who received cellphones, with Minister Solly Malatsi (fifth from left, back) and George’s Mayor Browen Johnson (eighth from left, back).
Small business owners at the event.
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