Deputy minister lambasts trends

WHITE RIVER- The Deputy Minister of the Department for Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe, lambasted trends of neglecting local small businesses by local consumers and only support international brands.

During of the opening of the annual two day Small Businesses Summit held at Ingwenyama lodge on Tuesday, Thabethe said that supporting home made products was a boost to the country. The aim of the summit was mainly to discuss the role of SMMEs in the country’s industrialization path.

Thabethe said that locals have a tendency of admiring products displayed ny local businesses but only buy from internationals.

“What is the point of spending more than R2000 for a pair of shoes at Spitz when you can buy more pairs of proudly South African shoes while boosting our economy,” she said.

Dressed in a traditional attire which she said was her favourite piece of clothing which she could were at any occasion nationally or internationally, she vowed her support for small businesses in the country.

Thabethe also appreciated the active participation by SMMEs from across the province and other regions.

“We acknowledge the increasing recognition of the role of women in generating employment, driving production and contributing to local development and innovations,” said Thabethe.

This year, the DTI had partnered with the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism in hosting the event.

The deputy minister explained that government has been focusing on providing services to small businesses. She also urged individuals contemplating to start businesses to approach the DTI for assistance in terms of finance and advice.

“The government has been doing a lot to support businesses and this I am not saying because we are approaching elections but because good deeds must be appreciated,” she concluded.

MEC for DEDET,Ms Pinky Phosa, commended businesses which are assisting in terms of creating employment especially for women and the youth.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to stand and help fight the plight of unemployment and all the small businesses which are here exhibiting their proudly South African products are doing a good job,” she said.