Build One South Africa (BOSA) is proud to today launch its inaugural Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprise (SMME) Summit in Johannesburg, led by BOSA Deputy Leader and Member of Parliament, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster. This groundbreaking event marks a decisive step in addressing the systemic challenges that hinder small business growth and economic transformation in South Africa.
Hlazo-Webster said:
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, contributing over 60% of employment and more than 40% of GDP. The National Development Plan projects that by 2030, SMMEs will generate 90% of new jobs in South Africa. Yet, despite this potential, entrepreneurs face suffocating red tape, limited access to finance, and hostile market conditions,”
The Summit brings together entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to drive actionable solutions for SMME development. Drawing inspiration from successful global models, Hlazo-Webster emphasized how countries like Brazil and Kenya have significantly boosted small business growth through targeted policy interventions, streamlined regulations, and access to finance.
“In Brazil, aggressive investment in microfinance and simplified regulatory processes have fuelled small business success. In Kenya, digital finance tools like M-Pesa and government initiatives such as the Ajira Digital Program have unlocked unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs. South Africa must take decisive action to replicate these successes.”
As a former Chairperson of the KZN Chamber of Commerce and a longstanding advocate for small business development, Hlazo-Webster brings firsthand experience to this fight.
“I’ve spent over a decade consulting for small businesses and working to dismantle barriers to economic participation, particularly for women, young people, and historically marginalized entrepreneurs.”
Through her work in Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development, she has seen how misaligned policies and ineffective government programs continue to fail SMMEs.
“The government throws money at the problem without real solutions. There is no accountability for whether SMMEs actually benefit. That is why BOSA is taking action.”
Launch of the BOSA Business Council
A key initiative unveiled at the Summit is the BOSA Business Council, a platform built for SMMEs, to ensure their voices are central to economic policymaking. This council will consist of a wide range of role players and value adders focused on unlocking SMME growth.
Hlazo-Webster said:
“This will not be another bureaucratic entity. It will be led by real entrepreneurs, not politicians, and will serve as a structured vehicle for advocacy, opportunity-sharing, and collective bargaining,”
The BOSA Business Council will focus on:
- Advocacy & policy influence – Engaging Parliament and government to push for pro-SMME policies, reducing red tape, and improving access to funding.
- Opportunity sharing & networking – Providing businesses with direct access to market opportunities through BOSA’s networks.
- Government oversight & accountability – Monitoring government programs and funding mechanisms to ensure transparency and real impact for SMMEs.
Most importantly, the leadership of the BOSA Business Council will be democratically elected by the entrepreneurs it represents.
Hlazo-Webster declared:
“If you are an entrepreneur, a business owner, or someone who believes in South Africa’s potential—this is your opportunity to be part of the change. We are not just talking about transformation; we are making it happen,”
BOSA invites all SMMEs to join this movement for economic renewal. “Let’s build an economy that works. Let’s build ONE South Africa.”
Media Statement by
Roger Solomons: BOSA Acting Spokesperson
Monday 10 February 2025
Media Enquiries:
Roger Solomons – BOSA Acting Spokesperson – 072 299 3551