The Ministry of Small Business Development views the Direct Selling Association of South Africa (DSASA) as an important partner in achieving its mandate. Calling the direct selling industry an industry that gives birth to entrepreneurs and makes a critical contribution to the future of our country, the Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Elizabeth Thabethe, said a partnership with the DSASA was important to the Ministry.
“I can already see many opportunities for collaboration between us and your association in the realisation of achieving our mandate,” said Thabethe.
The Deputy Minister was speaking at the DSA’s recent annual awards luncheon. She praised the Association’s members for the contribution they had made and continue to make to South Africa.
“The direct selling industry does more than just provide entrepreneurial and income opportunities to over one million South Africans; it also encourages an environment of learning, personal development and business building,” she said. It was something the country was in desperate need of.
More than 300 delegates at the luncheon – top achieving independent direct sellers and head office personnel from DSA members across South Africa – clapped and cheered for the Deputy Minister when she said: “I am told this is a room filled with people who are making a positive difference in the lives of others.”
Thabethe said the task of the 12-month old Ministry of Small Business Development is to promote and support small businesses. “The creation of this ministry is proof of the government’s resolve to grow this sector of the economy. Our goal is to create an environment that supports and promotes this.”
The Ministry’s mandate is to lead an integrated approach to the promotion and development of small businesses and co-operatives through a focus on the economic and legislative drivers that stimulate entrepreneurship to contribute to radical economic transformation.
She said the DSASA was an important partner for the ministry if it were to achieve this, as direct selling has the potential to significantly impact on unemployment levels in South Africa. “There can be no question that the direct selling industry assists in creating income earning opportunities for anyone who has the desire and is prepared to work. There are no barriers of age, education, colour, creed or gender,” she said.
Deputy Minister Thabethe also praised the theme of the DSA awards luncheon event: Renewal, Transformation and Innovation. “It speaks to me of unleashing the potential of the people of South Africa. Embrace your training, work hard, enable people and be prepared to work. As long as you have the spirit to change your life, self- motivation is the only barrier. Step away from the confines of your circumstances. Grasp the opportunities presented.”