Johannesburg - The Gauteng Provincial Government has put in place initiatives to provide support to small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMME) in the province.
The announcement, which was made by Premier Nomvula Mokonyane in her State of the Province Address on Monday, will benefit 3 000 small businesses in the province's townships.
"We will expand our co-operatives programme to give more people access to sustainable livelihoods and address poverty and inequality," said Mokonyane, clad in a navy blue suit and a head scarf showing she is still mourning the death of her son.
Particular emphasis, she said, will be placed on developing black-owned SMMEs and Gauteng's "second economy", which is still characterised by high levels of unemployment, lack of skills and general underdevelopment.
Mokonyane said the programmes will support the informal business sector by creating automotive repair hubs, enterprise hubs with car washes, hair salons and internet cafes, as well as light industrial hubs focusing on metalwork and carpentry.
"We will help co-operatives access finance and support them in becoming viable and sustainable. Procurement of locally produced goods, including goods produced by co-operatives will be promoted," she said.
The programme will be implemented in six townships - Munsieville, Kagiso, Katlehong, Thokoza, Sharpeville and Sebokeng - linked to the inner city regeneration programmes in Krugersdorp, Germiston and Vereeniging.
Turning to arts, the premier said her administration supported emerging artists with access to professional development, facilities and markets. The government would continue to tap the job creation potential of the creative industries with a focus on craft, music, performing arts, visual arts, fashion and film.
"We will identify untapped talent in partnership with local radio stations, individual artists and cultural organisations so as to develop and promote local music - especially Kwaito, Jazz, Hip Hop and House," she told the legislature.
The opening of the Gauteng Legislature was a colourful event, with MECs dressed to the nines in both designer and traditional outfits.
