While the small business sector continues to show promising growth, more is needed from business to help create workable links with the government and other stakeholders. So said Alan Winde, Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism. He was addressing a number of small businesses, procurement professionals and government stakeholders during a breakfast… [Continue Reading]
Author Archive | Vuyo Mabandla
WC launch first SA furniture testing centre
South Africa’s furniture manufacturing industry received a boost with the launch of a quality testing centre in Cape Town recently. Fully-equipped with the latest manufacturing machinery and other technology, the centre is part of an initiative by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and FurnTech Manufacturing to improve the local furniture-making industry. Seda is a… [Continue Reading]
Khayelitsha inspires foreign students
So impressed were they with local businesses that some of the 50 American business students and academics that recently toured a Cape Town township, vowed to return next year with the promise to help invest in those businesses. Accompanied by the University of Stellenbosch Business School’s Small Business Academy, they were part of a tour… [Continue Reading]
WC staff help to remove red tape barriers
The inaugural Red Tape Reduction Awards brought to an end a month-long challenge by government employees to identify and solve problems involving over-bearing bureaucratic procedures. The ceremony, held in Cape Town last month, was attended by a number of public servants, many of whom took part in the competition. They were joined by aspiring entrepreneurs.… [Continue Reading]
Credit ombud expects disputes to roll in soon
With the recent introduction of the National Credit Amendment Act in Parliament earlier this year, the office of the credit ombud says it’s expecting an influx of disputes. The new legislation, which was introduced in April, but is yet to be signed into law, aims to address shortcomings of the National Credit Act of 2007.… [Continue Reading]
Positive response for newbies at Zim fair
About 30 South African business owners received the opportunity to sell their wares and market their services to a global market. This thanks to an annual international trade show in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, earlier this year. The trip held in April was organised by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which helped the group of… [Continue Reading]
It’s thumbs up for Thumbzup
A recently-launched partnership between Thumbzup Innovation founder Stafford Masie and one of South Africa’s leading banks offers small business owners cutting-edge technology for receiving mobile payments from customers. Hailed as a world-first, Masie’s digital payment application Payment Pebble is a mobile payment system which he initially launched last year. The application allows merchants to enjoy… [Continue Reading]
Get mobile payment with app
South African business owners now have access to the world’s-first mobile payment system, which will allow them to use their smartphones as card machines. This, thanks to a partnership between Stafford Massie of Thumbzup Innovation, the creator of mobile payment system Payment Pebble, and Absa bank. The system conveniently processes payments via a device that… [Continue Reading]
New code promotes strict payment terms
Small businesses that supply goods or services to those that have joined a new initiative to pay small firms on time, may no longer need to worry about cash-flow concerns. Initiated by the National Small Business Chamber (NSBC), the Prompt Payment Code aims to get government departments and corporates to pay their small suppliers within… [Continue Reading]
CIPC helps owner make dreams come true
Maxwell Miselo was able to realise his dream of running a successful transport and freight business after he approached the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) to protect his business’s assets. With only one vehicle to kickstart his shuttle and trucking enterprise, Soyisile Transport Services, Miselo wanted to formalise his business, protect his company’s intellectual… [Continue Reading]