Infrastructure
- (a) What opportunities does his Department create for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) within its projects and initiatives, and (b) how does his Department ensure effective and ongoing communication with these enterprises to foster participation and growth;
- what are the (a) details on the total amount that SMMEs have benefitted in the past 12 months, and (b) the specific programmes or projects that contributed to these benefits?
(1) (a) The Department participated in 13 supplier engagements during the 2024/25 financial year involving 1166 established and potential service providers. The Department also provides critical economic participation opportunities for SMMEs through inclusive procurement support services and targeted project involvement. It aims to ensure that SMMEs are informed of opportunities and are prepared to contribute to and benefit from infrastructure development initiatives. In addition, the Department collaborates with SMME development agencies such as DEDAT, SEDA and Local Business Forums.
- (b) Communication initiatives and activities include the following:
- Service Fairs
- Monthly EPWP contractor information sessions
- Practical assistance sessions, including exhibitions and oresentations
- Distribution of information packs
- Announcements of any changes in relevant policies
- Up to date digital platforms and portals such as the departmental E-procurement system on which tenders and opportunities relevant to SMMEs are published
- (a) The total amount by which SMMEs have benefitted is R189 637 760
(b) The 2142 projects from which SMMEs have benefitted include various General Goods and Services, Roads Infrastructure Maintenance, Materials and Related Services and Public Works Infrastructure Maintenance, Materials and Related Services.
