Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has paid tribute to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development, Violet Siwela, for serving the committee with distinction.

In a statement on Thursday, Ndabeni-Abrahams expressed her heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, comrades and her political home, the African National Congress.

‘Her sad passing marks the end of a life that was selflessly dedicated to serving the people of South Africa, in particular the informal traders, cooperatives, micro, small and medium enterprises ecosystem.

‘Inspired by her proud legacy, we pledge to continue working tirelessly to ensure the growth and sustainability of small businesses. In her name and in honour of her legacy, we commit to ensure that the National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill is passed,’ the Minister said.

The Bill seeks to amend the National Small Enterprise Act to provide for the establishment of the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA) an
d the subsequent disestablishment of the Small Enterprise Financing Agency (Sefa), the Co-operative Banks Development Agency (CBDA) and the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda); and for the establishment of the Office of the Small Enterprise Ombud Service.

The Bill further enables the Minister to declare certain practices in relation to small enterprises to be prohibited as unfair trading practices and to make regulations with regard thereto.

‘The successful passing of this Bill will be a fitting tribute to her commitment, dedication and passion for small business development,’ she said.

Source: South African Government News Agency