This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to by Ms. Masefako Clarah Dikgale, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development in the South African Parliament, representing the African National Congress. Ms Dikgale unpacks the critical role of portfolio committees in parliament as constitutional entities tasked with legislating, monitoring, and overseeing executive activities to drive national development goals. One of the mandates of the Department of Small Business is to create 11 million jobs by 2030.

The government has committed to placing small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperatives at the heart of economic growth and job creation. With approximately 3 million entrepreneurs supporting 13.4 million jobs in South Africa, the potential for growth is immense. Ms Dikgale highlights transformative initiatives like the ratification of the amended Small Enterprise Bill, which combats unfair practices and strengthens the economic inclusion of small businesses. Another initiative is the creation of a one stop shop to give SMMEs access to finance and business support through amalgamation of the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and the Cooperative Banks Development Agency (CBDA) to form the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA).

As a champion for inclusivity, Ms. Dikgale underscores the prioritization of businesses owned by women, youth, persons with disabilities, and those in rural and township areas. She shares her belief in the power of education, both as a pillar in her own career development and as a tool for empowering women and youth in her community. Through free training programs and resources, the department has supported women in achieving financial independence.

Ms Dikgale’s entry into politics stemmed from her dissatisfaction with political campaigners’ empty promises to develop her village, which led her to taking action and orchestrating meaningful developments in her village that serve the people. We also discuss the African National Congress’s (ANC) policies supporting gender equality, including its 50:50 representation, and the collaborative efforts of the Multi Party Women’s Caucus in Parliament, where women across party lines unite to advance gender equality, uphold human rights and dignity.

Tune in for more.