Cabinet approves establishment of small business advisory body

Cabinet has approved the establishment of an advisory body within the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) that will ensure representation and promotion of the interest of small enterprises. The establishment of an advisory body is prescribed by the National Small Enterprise Act, 1996 (Act 102 of 1996), as amended. Briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the establishment of an advisory body is to ensure representation and promotion of the interest of small enterprises as contemplated in the National Strategy for the Development and Promotion of Small Enterprises in South Africa. 'The primary function of the advisory body will be to advise the Minister [of the DSBD] on broad areas that affect small enterprise growth, including national standards pertaining to small enterprise development and regulation. 'The advisory body will provide government with evidence-based expert advice on the functioning of var ious aspects of the small enterprise support ecosystem to enable more effective policy reforms, legislative amendments, and design of interventions to support micro, small and medium enterprises and cooperatives,' Ntshavheni said at Thursday's briefing. Aeronautical and Marine Search and Rescue Bill Meanwhile, Cabinet has also approved the publication of the Aeronautical and Marine Search and Rescue (AMSAR) Bill of 2024 for public comment. The Minister said the bill seeks to amend the South African Maritime and Aeronautic Act, 2002 (Act 44 of 2002) which has become outdated. 'The bill aims to ensure the safety of people in the event of aeronautical and maritime search and rescue incidents. The bill further seeks to align the national AMSAR system with international standards and trends. 'The bill will strengthen the AMSAR system to boost the growth of aviation and maritime related industries and will contribute to economic growth,' the Minister said. Source: South African Government News Agency