Mayor Dikgale offers pathways for unregistered businesses to access government support
KWAGGAFONTEIN – Unregistered and informal business owners in Thembisile Hani Local Municipality are upset about a recent decision made by the municipality. The municipality has decided that informal businesses will no longer receive a share of the R5 million budget set aside to help Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
This change came after the municipality advertised non-financial grants only for registered businesses, Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). These grants are intended only for those businesses that buy tools and equipment needed for their activities.
The Executive Mayor, Cllr Lesetja Dikgale, explained the decision to Highveld Chronicle, saying it is in line with government laws that they must support small, registered businesses. He said, “The new by-law states that government funds can only be given to legally recognised and registered businesses.” He added that there are programmes to help those who haven’t registered yet to grow their skills so they can eventually qualify for government funding, such as educational non-financial intervention.
Business owners expressed their frustration. One anonymous owner told the publication, “It’s painful to start a business without the resources to grow. We need this funding more than registered businesses, but we are told we don’t qualify. They don’t seem to understand our struggles. We are trying to make a living.”
Mayor Dikgale encouraged unregistered businesses to visit the municipality’s offices for help with registration. He stated, “Thembisile Hani Local Municipality is committed to following government laws. We want our municipality to be known for its compliance. We urge small business owners to come and register their businesses so they can benefit from our growing economy.”
