Interview on PowerFM - Department of Small Business Development fails to deliver on its mandate

Last night I did a recorded interview with PowerFM's Power Zone which was aired on the show between 12 and 3 am this morning. They had picked up my opinion piece which appeared in yesterday's Sunday Independent where I wrote about the Portfolio Committee's oversight visits to Mpumalanga, KZN and the Free State, and my view that the Department of Small Business Development is failing to deliver on its mandate. In fact this is not just my view: the entire Committee agrees.

On Wednesday we have Sefa coming to the Committee to answer charges of corruption and maladministration of its loan book, 47% of which was impaired in the 2016/17 financial year.

You can listen to the podcast of the interview here.

Motion to debate the DSBDs inability to fulfil its mandate

  National Assembly

                                              Notice of Motion

Internal Ref Number:	045	-	2017
Date:	07.09.2017
Member:	Toby Chance
Motion:

I hereby move on behalf of the Democratic Alliance that at its next sitting this house debates the Department of Small Business Development’s inability to fulfill its mandate and its continued relevance as a vehicle for developing and implementing policies that create jobs.

Declaration in the House on the Portfolio Committee's reports on oversight visits, September 7th 2017

Speaker, a veil of tears has descended on this committee after it experienced profound sadness, frustration and disappointment on its oversight visits to KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

What we found left Members dispirited at government’s incapacity to do even the most basic things required to improve the lives of our people.

In KZN, the Department has supported a number of primary agricultural co-ops for over two years through its Cooperative Incentive Scheme. A technical partner provides training in business management and farming skills, access to markets through negotiated off-take agreements, and new technologies to improve productivity and vegetable quality.

Statement in the House on the DSBD's presentation to the Standing Committee on Appropriations

On Tuesday I read the following statement in the House. Minister Zulu was not there to respond and although Deputy Minister November was present she gave no response.

On Friday the Department of Small Business Development presented its 2016/17 fourth quarter report to the Standing Committee on Appropriations.

Under close questioning by members of the Committee, the Director General and her officials revealed the full extent of the under-performance that has characterised this Department since its formation over three years ago.

Community meeting and oversight visits on public safety

On Wednesday last week our constituency, Soweto West, organised a community meeting in Moletsane focusing on policing and public safety, followed by visits to two of the police stations in our neighbourhood.

We had some very constructive conversations, and were able to gather together our top trio of public representatives in this portfolio - Zak Mbhele MP, Shadow Minister of Police in Parliament; Kate Lorimer MPL, Shadow MEC of Safety & Security in the Gauteng Legislature; and Cllr Michael Sun, Mayoral Committee Member for Public Safety in the City of Joburg.

Launch of the Pinsent Masons Winds of Change Youth Development Programme

Yesterday I attended the launch of the Winds of Change Development Programme at Tshedimoshe Primary School in Mofolo, Soweto. This is an initiative of international law firm Pinsent Masons who opened an office in Johannesburg in February.

I will describe how this came about and why I was there below, but first a bit of info about the programme.

To quote from the flier handed out to parents attending the launch:

"A Pinsent Masons Responsible Business Programme in Soweto, South Africa, working with the Sir Ramabitsa Saturday School Programme, Gauteng Cricket Board, Soweto Cricket Oval and the Soweto/Enos Mafokate Equestrian Centre.

Media advisory: DA to commemorate Soweto uprising at June 16th Memorial Acre in Jabavu

16 June: DA to commemorate the 1976 Soweto Uprising at the Memorial Acre
	by DA Media -
Date: 14 June 2017
Release: Immediate
Type: Media Advisory
On Friday, 16 June 2017, DA Gauteng Leader, John Moodey MPL, will host a commemorative gathering at the June 16 Memorial Acre in Soweto, along with the Naledi Heritage Forum and 1976 Veterans. The event will be joined by the Johannesburg Regional Chairperson, Khume Ramulifho MPL and, Toby Chance MP, Soweto West Constituency Head. The DA Youth arranged this event as we appreciate the sacrifice that young people made in 1976. We acknowledge their great contribution towards equality in this country and we will pay homage to those who stood up against the Apartheid regime. Event details:  Date: 16 June 2017 Time: 09h30 Venue: June 16 Memorial Acre, Mphuthi Street, Soweto GPS Coordinates: 26°14'42.4"S 27°52'20.6"E

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DA Media Anneke Scheepers DA Gauteng Communications Manager 079 511 7501