EDITOR'S NOTECan SMMEs
EDITOR'S NOTECan SMMEs reallysave the day?The future of the small, medium and micro-enterprise (SMME) sector generates a lotof debate – and a lot of hot air.Extravagant claims are made about how small businesses will comprehensivelysolve the unemployment crisis: how, if children and students were just taught how tobe entrepreneurs, the economic outlook would turn to rosy. The fact is that some people aremuch more suited to being employees than employers and there are very few SMMEs, evenafter “upscaling”, that will employ very large numbers of people.The SMME sector is indeed vital for South Africa’s economic health. The truly small business(micro) subsector gets little attention but survivalist enterprises play a vital role. Hawkers andstreet traders work long hours and “house shops” (a step below spaza shops, where a room ina house is deployed) are a feature of the economic profile of most townships.In this context, two recent initiatives involving the South African Chamber of Commerce andIndustry (SACCI) are particularly welcome. One of the initiatives will improve the informationavailable to researchers and policy-makers and the other programme offers concrete andpractical help to SMMEs.The Absa/SACCI Small Business Growth Index (SBGI), run by the Bureau of Market Research,will do regular surveys of the sector and provide accurate and up-to-the-minute data on trends.This information could contribute to reducing the failure rate of startups, currently at alarminglevels.The second initiative involving SACCI is called SME Launch. To be administered byInhlanyelo Hub NPC, SMME Launch leverages the networks of SACCI, the financial acumen ofthe Chartered Institute of Business Accountants (CIBA) and the experience of the Companiesand Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) in issues such as legal compliance, intellectualproperty registration and the formalisation of a business.Both of these initiatives are outlined in detail in this issue.Also in this issueThe theme of entrepreneurship occurs again in a report on a new partnership between theServices Sector Education and Training Authority and the Wits Centre for Entrepreneurship.Another SETA, the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA), contendsthat digital badges should replace paper certificates for artisans.There are two interviews related to the opening of a LEGO Certified Store in Cape Town andtwo lawyers weigh in on what can be done about illegal mining in South Africa.Stellenbosch University Associate Professor Craig McGregor and Bruce Douglas Youngof the Africa Energy Leadership Centre, University of the Witwatersrand, warn that there areseveral roadblocks on the path to the introduction of green hydrogen on a commercial scalein South Africa.To bolster infrastructure development, and for that to be sustainable, collaboration andpolicy certainty are required, according to Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) President,David Leukes. Regarding low-cost housing, Hlengiwe Maila has studied the South Africanmarket and believes that there is a better way to tackle the backlog.The freight industry is one of the world’s biggest polluters. Bidvest International Logisticsbelieves that the answers must come from both the road and rail freight sectors.Two students at Stellenbosch University have applied innovative technology to track treehealth. Both Yasmin de Raay and Chris Erasmus, who has developed a wireless dendrometerthat tracks growth patterns, water dynamics and environmental stress, have qualified for theinternational finals of the 2025 Blue Sky Young Researchers and Innovation competition. DeRaay’s work involves machine learning and the generation of microscopic images that giveinformation about root growth.John Young, Editor2 | www.opportunityonline.co.zawww.opportunityonline.co.zaEditor: John YoungPublishing director: Chris WhalesManaging director: Clive DuringOnline editor: Christoff ScholtzDesigner: Elmethra de BruynProduction: Ashley van SchalkwykAccount managers:Shiko DialaVanessa WallaceVenesia FowlerGabriel VenterTennyson NaidooTahlia WyngaardDwaine RigbyGavin van der MerweGraeme FebruarySam OliverMandlenkosi DlaminiAdministration & accounts:Charlene SteynbergKathy WoottonSharon Angus-LeppanDistribution and circulation manager:Edward MacDonaldPrinting: FA PrintPUBLISHED BYGlobal Africa Network Media (Pty) LtdCompany Registration No:2004/004982/07Directors: Clive During, Chris WhalesPhysical address: 28 Main Road,Rondebosch 7700Postal address: PO Box 292,Newlands 7701Tel: +27 21 657 6200Email: info@gan.co.zaWebsite: www.gan.co.zaNo portion of this book may be reproduced without written consent ofthe copyright owner. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those ofOpportunity, nor the publisher, none of whom accept liability of any naturearising out of, or in connection with, the contents of this book. The publisherswould like to express thanks to those who support this publication by theirsubmission of articles and with their advertising. All rights reserved.
A holisticapproach tohuman capitalMeladi Mampane, Managing DirectorThe Managing Director of Maletchaba Human Capital,Meladi Mampane, reflects on the values that have createda company that embodies a holistic human capital valueproposition.How did it feel to achieve 10 years as a business in 2023?Reaching that milestone was an incredibly gratifying experienceand I take immense pride in that achievement. It’s a testamentto the resilience, dedication and strategic vision that has shapedMaletchaba. I am most proud of the brand we have built – onethat is recognised for its integrity, impact and expertise. I also takegreat pride in the opportunities we have created, particularly foryoung professionals. Additionally, the meaningful partnershipswe have established and nurtured over the years stand as proofof the value we bring and the trust we have earned.What were the toughest challenges in getting started?In the early stages, you often assume that the networks youhave built over the years will naturally translate into businessopportunities, but that’s not always the case, leaving you to findnew ways to build your client base. Resilience becomes yourgreatest asset because setbacks are inevitable and perseveranceis what ultimately sustains the journey.Please explain your bursary-management offering.Our focus is on structuring and managing corporate-fundedbursary programmes that align with the organisation’s strategicobjectives, often within the framework of B-BBEE, corporate socialresponsibility (CSR) and skills-development mandates.What are the benefits for the client of havingbursaries managed?By entrusting bursary management to us, our clients ensurethat their contributions create meaningful and lasting changerather than just being seen as a compliance-driven obligation.Even more than 30 years into democracy, many South Africanfamilies still do not have a single graduate, perpetuating cyclesof economic struggle. Structured bursary management ensuresefficiency, compliance and maximised impact. We ensure theclient’s investment is well-managed, from selection to academicsupport and graduate placement, aligning the programmes withbusiness needs, creating a future talent pipeline and handlingadministrative complexities.What is Strategic HR?Our work in Strategic HR is most often with growing companiestransitioning from small to medium-sized enterprises whenpeople management requires a structured and intentionalapproach. We are currently working with a manufacturing entitythat is significantly ramping up production. As they prepare forthis growth, we have developed a comprehensive HR strategythat focuses on attracting and retaining key talent, building aculture of learning and innovation and implementing structuredHR processes that support long-term scalability.How do you demonstrate that B-BBEE is a sound businesspractice process?There’s an African proverb that says: “If you want to go fast, goalone. If you want to go far, go together.” This perfectly capturesthe essence of why B-BBEE is not just a compliance exercise but asustainable business strategy. For companies operating in SouthAfrica, long-term sustainability is inextricably linked to social andeconomic transformation. By embracing B-BBEE as a businessimperative rather than a regulatory burden, companies securea more stable, prosperous and sustainable future – not just forthemselves, but for the entire economy.With outsourced HR services to emerging businesses, doesthe enterprise take over more of the functions as it grows?We offer several flexible models, including fully outsourced HRservices, hybrid models where we provide senior HR consultantsfor strategic direction while the company’s own HR team handlesday-to-day operations, and dedicated on-site HR officers forrapidly expanding businesses. As businesses grow, we often helpthem transition towards more in-house HR functions while weremain involved in strategic advisory and oversight roles.Do you have professional growth paths for your staff?As a company that sells knowledge and expertise in peoplemanagement, we recognise that our greatest asset is our team. Toremain at the top of our game, we are deliberate about continuouslearning and professional development.Visit: www.maletchaba.co.za
