Opportunity Issue 108

Let a thousand
SMMEs bloom
Many people are not suited to being business owners. But for people who are
willing to put up with long hours, lots of stress and tiresome paperwork, there
are great potential rewards. The idea that entrepreneurship can fix South
Africa’s unemployment problem, as some politicians and commentators
have been suggesting, is unrealistic but small businesses can certainly get more people
into work and improve lives. Entrepreneurship is a new subject at some TVET colleges
and a productive area for SMMEs is in the supply chains of big companies. The support
of a corporate, a mining or a retail company can take many forms: low-interest loans,
equipment, advice, transport, access to land or markets and offtake agreements. South
Africa also has several active incubators, helping businesses survive and thrive. One such
entity is the Tholoana Enterprise Programme, which operates outside of the major supply
chains and in rural areas. Backed by the SAB Foundation, Tholoana mentors owners,
teaches business skills and provides access to resources. Running a business is hard work,
but there is help out there for entrepreneurs who want to learn the ropes.
In this issue
Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane outlines his vision for how mining can
transform South Africa. The sector will play a key role in the national and global transition
to new energy.
SMMEs are the focus of Nico Jacobs’ work as CEO of the South African Future Trust.
An interview with Nico covers the transition this fund is making from being dedicated to
helping businesses meet their payrolls during the Covid pandemic to having a broader
remit, including consulting with SMME owners and putting them in touch with advisors.
Nico also reflects on the inaugural South African Future Trust Summit.
A team of legal experts from Webber Wentzel present an argument for a positive
approach to the growing centrality of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues
in mining. Sustainability in mining is also the subject of Rudie Opperman’s article, but his
focus is technology. Opperman is well placed to discuss how mining can better utilise
many new technologies to reduce environmental impact.
Energy has been an important area of focus for all businesses in recent times, and
retail is no exception. Solly Engelbrecht, National Logistics Executive at The SPAR Group,
applies his mind to the future of distribution in the retail sector in an energy-scarce world.
Localisation is among the key approaches that should be adopted to ensure a reliable
power supply. Having worked on the use of mobile apps with the insurance industry,
Yaron Assabi, the founder of the Digital Solutions Group (DSG), has penetrating insights
into how a frictionless commerce experience can improve customer retention. Many
South Africans will be interested and relieved to read that loadshedding can be beaten.
Vodacom Group Chief Technology Officer, Dejan Kastelic, explains how “virtual wheeling”
has been trialled and tested by his company, working with Eskom.
In an article about the impact of paper on forests, the Paper Manufacturers Association
of South Africa (PAMSA) analyses the results of an international survey into environmental
perceptions. Cymbeline Harilal, Instructional Designer at The Independent Institute of
Education, contributes an article on how universities should be equipping students with
the relevant skills for the modern workplace. Another article focusses on the potential
South Africa’s Marine Protected Areas hold for the tourism sector.
John Young, Editor
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