Small Business Owners Provided With Compliance Assistance To Strengthen Local Economy

Meeting compliance requirements can be a challenge for many small businesses — often standing in the way of accessing funding, qualifying for tenders, and achieving growth. To help tackle this issue at a local level, business supplier open days were recently held in Caledon and Grabouw, providing entrepreneurs within the Theewaterskloof municipal area with the support needed to strengthen compliance, unlock opportunities, and build more sustainable enterprises. 

Opening both events, Theewaterskloof Municipality’s Executive Deputy Mayor, Cllr Cynthia Clayton, addressed attendees, emphasising the importance of local entrepreneurship. “SMMEs are not just participants in our local economy; they are its backbone,” she said. Cllr Clayton expressed her gratitude to programme partner, Klipheuwel Wind Farm, noting that this collaboration supports the municipality’s economic development strategy, which focuses on building inclusive local economies, enhancing job creation, and promoting innovation. 

As part of a wider, ongoing initiative to help small business owners overcome compliance challenges, the events featured presentations from key stakeholders, including business tax compliance guidance from SARS, funding and non-financial support from SEDFA and home builder registration assistance from the NHBRC. SMMEs had the opportunity to ask questions during the sessions and were also given time for one-on-one engagements with the different agencies and departments.

“Our target was to reach 150 businesses across the two days and we were thrilled to see over 230 in attendance. It was truly encouraging,” said Nonini Makhothe, Economic Development Specialist for Klipheuwel Wind Farm. “We are proud that our partnership with the Theewaterskloof Municipality stands as a strong example of what can be achieved through successful public-private collaboration.”

Recognising that compliance development is a long-term process, the initiative aims to provide sustained assistance to local businesses. By bringing these critical services closer to the community, it is easier for entrepreneurs to strengthen and grow their enterprises. 

The business suppliers and stakeholders in attendance at the two events held on 28 October at Caledon Victoria Hall and 29 October at the Grabouw Thusong Centre, will continue providing support to businesses that requested their assistance on the day. The Municipality also continually offers support for a variety of compliance issues and this channel will remain active as an extension of the overall initiative.