This, as the Department of Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea) vows to lend a helping hand to Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMME's) in the province. 

Destea spokesperson Kgotso Tau tells OFM News they have so far supported approximately 900 businesses to the tune of R75 million and are looking to assist more. He says their focus is now primarily on helping businesses sustain themselves by not only helping them financially but by offering them non-financial support. Tau says they are extending a helping hand to all businesses across the five districts of the province. 

Responding to questions relating to the criteria used by the department to select businesses in need of help, Tau told OFM News small businesses must be Free State-based, South African-owned, registered, and tax compliant, as well as able to provide a business plan, amongst other requirements, to qualify. He adds they are hoping the support provided to small businesses will also address questions relating to the rising unemployment rate in the Free State.

According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the country's unemployment rate reached 32.6% in the first quarter of 2021. The Quarter Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by statistician-general Risenga Maluleke in June indicates that this rate was 46,3% among young people aged 15 – 34 years.

The Eastern Cape remains the province with the highest unemployment rate at 43.8%, followed by the Free State at 35.6% and Gauteng at 34.4%.

OFM News