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Informal traders get a hand up to grow

the township economy

ocally-owned businesses help shape strong communities by keeping money within small towns leading to vibrant local economies
Lthat benefit all who live in them.

Informal trade is an important part of the rural and township economies. This sub-sector is also the biggest component of the W&RSETA’s
stakeholder base which forms part of the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) sector. The W&RSETA is relentless in its efforts
to grow and transform the informal trade to ensure this market becomes a viable economic growth player in South Africa.

W&RSETA’s Free State Provincial Beneficiaries from the North West province
Manager, Senzenina Moroe

The SETA’s annual capacitation programme through the Informal Traders and Micro Enterprises Development (ITAMED) project
commenced on 8 September. The nationwide programme equips informal traders and micro enterprises with basic business management
skills to enable them to run profitable and sustainable businesses.

About 2 400 informal traders benefited from this programme which covered modules on marketing, financial management, customer
service and entrepreneurship. Since the implementation of the ITAMED programme in 2017, about 7 200 hawkers, spaza shop owners
and micro enterprise owners have benefited. As an investment towards their businesses, the W&RSETA provided the participants with
vouchers of R3 000 each.

Informal traders used the opportunity to share their experiences in running businesses including finding solutions to common issues. The
programme has enjoyed the support of local government in the various municipalities where it is implemented as it contributes to their
local economic development. The municipalities assist the W&RSETA in identifying and selecting participants.

“The training has been insightful and I wish we could be assisted “I am very excited to be part of this programme. The knowledge I
to register our small businesses to formalise them and contribute gained will assist me in business. I now have an idea on how I can
towards tax. I believe if we are properly registered, we will be market and manage my business. I am also going to assist other
able to receive government support during tough times such as street hawkers in financial management.”
the current COVID-19 pandemic. We want to build legacies for Rachel Ndichene, street hawker, Alexandra, Gauteng.
our families.”
Joseph Phahlane, street hawker, Onkgalotse, Northern Cape.

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W&RSETA | September 2021