Ntshavheni has six days to issue an apology and retract her statement

The recent statement made by the Minister of Small Business Development, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has caused quite a stir in the media and amongst the public. Her remarks regarding the state of small businesses in South Africa have been met with criticism and backlash from various stakeholders. In light of this, the Minister has been given six days to issue an apology and retract her statement.

As a nation, we have made great strides in promoting and supporting small businesses, which play a vital role in our economy. It is therefore disheartening to hear such negative comments from a government official who is meant to champion the growth and development of these businesses.

The statement in question was made during a media briefing where the Minister expressed her disappointment in the lack of progress made by small businesses in the country. She went on to say that most small businesses were not sustainable and that they were not creating enough jobs. These remarks have been met with strong criticism, with many accusing the Minister of being out of touch with the reality on the ground.

The backlash has been swift and widespread, with small business owners and industry experts voicing their disapproval of the Minister’s comments. Many have pointed out that the current economic climate and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have made it extremely difficult for small businesses to thrive. They have also highlighted the various initiatives and support programs that have been put in place by the government to assist small businesses during these challenging times.

In response to the outcry, the Minister has been given six days to issue an apology and retract her statement. This ultimatum was issued by the Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development, who have also requested a written explanation from the Minister regarding her statement. The Committee has stated that the Minister’s comments are not in line with the government’s efforts to support and promote small businesses.

This ultimatum serves as a reminder that government officials are accountable for their words and actions. As public servants, they have a responsibility to be mindful of the impact their statements may have on the public and the various sectors they represent. It is encouraging to see that the Committee has taken swift action to address this issue and ensure that the Minister takes responsibility for her words.

In light of this, we urge the Minister to issue a sincere apology and retract her statement within the given timeframe. This will not only help to rebuild trust and confidence in the government’s commitment to small businesses but also show that the Minister is willing to listen to the concerns of the public and take corrective action.

Furthermore, we hope that this incident serves as a learning opportunity for the Minister and other government officials. It is crucial that they engage with and listen to the voices of small business owners and industry experts to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by these businesses. Only through open and constructive dialogue can we work towards creating an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive.

In conclusion, we believe that the Minister’s statement was made in error and does not reflect the government’s efforts to support and promote small businesses. We remain hopeful that the Minister will take the necessary steps to rectify this situation and reaffirm the government’s commitment to the growth and development of small businesses. Let us use this incident as an opportunity to come together and work towards a brighter future for small businesses in South Africa.