Equip SMMEs with relevant skills — Vutivi

By Noko Mashilo

The Limpopo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which hosted the event, highlighted the importance of equipping SMMEs with relevant skills and knowledge through targeted educational initiatives. It also aims to enhance global competitiveness by creating pathways to international markets and leveraging public-private partnerships to strengthen infrastructure and economic development. Chamber president Albert Jeleni acknowledged the challenges faced by smaller businesses, particularly the high cost of hiring and training employees. “Once an employee is hired, SMMEs often spend three to six months on training.

If we can implement a programme to attract better-prepared employees, it will significantly reduce the hiring costs for SMMEs,” he said. Jeleni also addressed the issue of market access, emphasising the need for international opportunities. “We need to upskill SMMEs to meet international standards, enabling them to tap into global markets. This will greatly benefit import and export activities. Remember, we are contributing to the 2030 goals outlined in the government’s National Development Plan, which envisions SMMEs playing a pivotal role in economic development,” he said.

On a global scale, Jeleni noted that South Africa’s participation in the G20 provided a platform to showcase unique products that SMMEs could offer to the world. “Big companies are also seeking partnerships with SMMEs, which creates opportunities for collaboration and skill exchange,” he stated.

South Africa recently assumed the G20 Presidency for a year. To support SMMEs, the chamber adopted three key resolutions. “First, we recognised that not all SMMEs have access to critical information, such as who is manufacturing what and where to sell their products. Second, large corporates want to collaborate with SMMEs but struggle to find them.

To address this, our new task team will simplify connections among SMMEs and with larger corporates,” Jeleni said. He further shared plans to establish a dedicated Chamber of Commerce building in Polokwane, which would serve as a central hub for SMMEs and corporates to connect. “The task team will also explore the establishment of a business school similar to GIBS and a logistics hub to unlock further opportunities for SMMEs,” he added.