DURBAN: About 17 670 entrepreneurs are to be supported with R3 000 each in a programme to support informal and micro businesses in the informal sector affected by the recent civil unrest.
This comes after the eThekwini Municipality announced that the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa) entered into an agreement with various banking partners to implement this programme.
In a statement, the City said the informal sector is encouraged to apply to access this relief. They said this will be done through the provision of business-focused support (financial and non-financial) using the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme targeting the fruit and vegetable vendors’ scheme specifically.
“The programme will support 17 667 entrepreneurs with R3 000 each as a once-off grant totalling R53 million via the banking partners. The business support aspect of the programme will be co-ordinated through the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda),” said the city.
It said the applicants must be South African and must produce a valid South African identity document, have a South African bank account and be willing to participate in Seda and Department of Small Business Development-facilitated business development processes. There would be no minimum turnover required for vendors applying.
“Preference will be given to businesses owned by women, youth and people living with disabilities. Applicants do not need to be registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission and the South African Revenue Service due to their size and status of operation,” said the city.
Michael Hlangu, senior manager of Informal Trade at the city, said this financial assistance will help traders get back to business.
“Through our social partners, 200 informal traders selling fruit and vegetables have received vouchers to purchase stock at the Clairwood Bulk Market worth R1 000 for each vendor operating at the Isipingo Market.”
He said to improve regulatory compliance of informal traders, the municipality is rolling out compliance workshops in partnership with government entities.
THE MERCURY