Cutting Red Tape And Unlock Opportunities For MSMEs

In a continuous drive to support local entrepreneurs and streamline the operating environment, eThekwini Municipality partnered with the Department of Small Business Development on 14 August 2026 to host a Ministerial Outreach Programme in Durban.

The joint initiative was led by Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni and Councillor Thembo Ntuli, Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee.

The outreach focused on removing regulatory bottlenecks through Red Tape Reduction while delivering direct capital support to high-potential enterprises.

Highlighting the essential nature of intergovernmental collaboration in supporting entrepreneurs, Minister Ndabeni said “Small businesses are at the centre of our efforts to create jobs and build an inclusive economy. Through programmes such as these, government is not only identifying the barriers faced by entrepreneurs but is also putting practical support in place to enable businesses to become more productive, competitive and sustainable.”

Alongside regulatory oversight, the programme featured a major asset activation handover to bolster local business capacity.

Through the Asset Assist Programme, 31 MSME beneficiaries received operational machinery valued at R6.3 million, while the Cooperative Development Support Programme allocated R4.6 million to four local cooperatives injecting a combined R10.9 million into eThekwini’s small business ecosystem.

Reaffirming the Municipality’s commitment to driving enterprise growth, Councillor Thembo Ntuli said “Our responsibility as the City is to create an environment where businesses can move from simply surviving to growing and creating opportunities for others.

The support provided through these programmes demonstrates what can be achieved when national and local government work together to remove barriers, unlock resources and place entrepreneurs at the centre of economic development.”

By combining targeted regulatory relief with direct capital investment, eThekwini Municipality continues to build a resilient, business-friendly environment that empowers local enterprises to expand, create sustainable jobs, and drive long-term economic inclusion.