PRESS RELEASE
EMBARGO: NONE
24 JULY 2020
AL JAMA-AH demands the Budget Adjustment Vote to grant more start-ups for small business development for women entrepreneurs with disabilities.
The AL JAMA-AH welcomes the Budget Adjustment on Small Business Development (SBD) as it is set to trigger hope for people with disabilities. In his Debate on the Budget Adjustment for SBD, Hon. Ganief Hendricks, AL JAMA-AH’s Member in Parliament who serves on the Portfolio for SBD, says it the Party is pleased that of the 7% jobs created, will be for people with disabilities.
AL JAMA-AH is of the view that SBD Minister Khumbudzo Ntshaveni is not in the habit of breaking promises. Hon. Hendricks reminds the Minister that the Department of Labour has 10 factories for workers with disabilities who are manufacturing body bags, face masks and linen for hospitals, all meeting SABS standards.
Hendricks worked in these factories as a union organiser and cannot understand why the government does not procure supplies from these factories. He calls on the Minister to “wave the flag” at cabinet meetings so 2000 jobs can be created at these factories. These factories have all the facilities for the disabled persons like wide passages for wheelchairs and raised worktops. Calls on the Minister that amongst her many programmes, to make this her No.1 priority.
The President promised the nation that 1000 items will only be procured from small business outfits run by people with disabilities. Parliament must procure7% of its spend on small businesses run by women (black, coloured and while) with disabilities. AL JAMA-AH also wants to see guide dogs in the parliament precinct helping blind people plough their trade.
Incubators to create small businesses and jobs must be in walking distance and for starters Parliamentary Constituency offices must be invited to have a section in their office for an incubator which the Department can assist with.
AL JAMA-AH is willing to provide infrastructure for an incubator for women under 29 years with disabilities. He calls on the Minister to give people with disabilities hope so that the undertakings of the President is not “all thunder but no lightening”. As a member on the PC SBD I can state the Chairperson along with a team is very eager to speed up the process of small businesses and to create jobs.
There are no reason why small businesses cannot identify new revenue streams and next generation jobs. A special incubator to achieve this is much needed.
For further details contact:
Hon. G. Hendricks
Cell: 082 780 2573