Question NW2657 to the President of the Republic
20 September 2022 - NW2657
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the President of the Republic
Concerning the dedicated team in The Presidency headed by Mr Sipho Nkosi to improve the business environment and to cut red tape across government, which he announced in his 2022 State of the Nation Address, what (a) specific progress deliverables has the team achieved to date and (b) priority (i) reforms and (ii) obstacles to investment and business growth has it identified?
Reply:
The Red Tape Reduction initiative comprises officials from the Presidency working with officials from the Department of Small Business Development and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, under the direction of Mr Sipho Nkosi. We are finalising securing of dedicated resources to bolster this capability.
This work builds on existing government efforts to reduce red tape and improve the business environment.
Engagements have been held with stakeholders to identify a range of impediments on which to focus.
So far, over 100 impediments and obstacles have been identified. A shortlisting process has identified issues where it is possible to make progress in a relatively short time.
For example, work is currently underway to assist with:
- the backlog and delays in the issuing of tourism transport licences, together with the Department of Transport and the industry;
- the backlog and delays in issuing work visas especially with respect to inter-company transfers, together with the Department of Home Affairs;
- obstacles to small business growth in the informal and township economy.