Economic and political stability equal growth in the SMME sector. GEP facilitates Gauteng’s entrepreneurial spirit

Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) is gearing up to deliver on its mandate of ensuring that the culture of enterprise and entrepreneurial spirit is cultivated and harnessed in the province. In launching GEP the Gauteng Provincial Government, through the Department of Finance and Economic Affairs, has embarked on a path of guaranteeing government support in the creation, growth and sustainability of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). By providing both financial and non-financial support, such as marketing, human resources optimization and productivity improvement, the one-stop service is encouraging entrepreneurship to flourish. GEP has so far helped the evolution of more than 400 SMMEs in various projects in the manufacturing, commercial and services sectors, and the flagship initiative has been identified as one of the strategic levers in the province’s growth and development strategy.

“Gauteng has long been known as the economic hub of South Africa and the continent at large. The province has done well in terms of its economy, which has grown sharply during past years and continues to do so,” says David Morobe, CEO of GEP. “The province has experienced a considerable change in its economic outlook, a dramatic stabilization of its socio-political conditions and a remarkable diversification of its people and opportunities, symbolizing many of South Africa’s achievements during its first decade of democratic governance.”

As part of the national drive for black economic empowerment and job creation, preference is given to black-owned and managed enterprises that are based in Gauteng. Businesses have access to skills, knowledge and expert assistance previously only afforded by larger companies, tailored to suit their needs and sector through either GEP’s own full-time specialists or carefully selected and accredited service providers.

Looking ahead to the future, Mr. Morobe adds, “In terms of the 2010 Soccer World Cup, there will be a lot of direct foreign investment, which will be based on South Africa’s success in hosting the event. I would like to see Gauteng’s economy growing and reaching greater heights, with poverty and unemployment halved.”