As I embrace the joys of retirement after a journey filled with purpose and passion, it’s with a mix of emotions that I take this step—a bittersweet moment. Allow me to share a little as I start this new chapter. I am originally from Actonville, in the Ekurhuleni a region within Gauteng province. I am happily married to Debbie, and together, we have four adult children and four grandchildren. My journey as a political and cultural activist commenced in the 1980s, shaped by the Actonville Rent Action Committee and my unwavering commitment to progressive cultural organisations advocating for ‘unity in diversity’.
In 1996, my journey led me to the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG), managing the Procurement Unit of the Information Technology (IT) Department. This department’s evolution spanned from the Public Service Commission to the Office of the Premier and the Gauteng Shared Service Centre.
During my tenure at GPG between 1997 to 2008, I had the opportunity to work in various departments within the province and travelled to different countries as a delegate in the missions to understand how developing and developed countries deal with economic development.
A pivotal moment occurred during my role as Deputy Director of local Economic Development at the Gauteng Department of Economic Development. I was tasked to be the Secretariat for the Task Team investigating challenges faced by Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), laying the foundation for the establishment of the Small Business Agency, now known as the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP). Being part of the conceptualisation of a “Stand Alone Agency” for small businesses has been fulfilling.
Joining the GEP in 2008 was a call to contribute to the democratic government’s vision of “A better life for all”. While GEP has made significant strides in supporting small businesses, there’s a collective hope for increased budgets to provide more comprehensive incubation models.
What inspires me though, is GEP’s clear mandate to provide both financial and non-financial support to SMMEs and Co-operatives. Witnessing small businesses gain autonomy and contribute significantly to the mainstream economy has been deeply rewarding.
Within GEP, my heart lies with the Business Development Support and Co-operatives Unit, specifically the Business Incubation and Co-operatives Sub-Unit. Over the years, we’ve supported 375 co-operatives and over 600 members across various sectors. As part of the operations team, I appreciate each and every person, the dedication to excellence, collaboration and support of the leadership.
As I retire after 15 years of service at GEP, not from life, I carry with me vast experiences in the incubation and co-operatives space. I am proud of the support we’ve provided and the programmes developed to see co-operatives become sustainable. Leaving the organisation on a stable ground is a source of pride and relief; I am confident that it will continue with exceptional leadership and dedication.
To the youth, I advocate for embracing entrepreneurship and exploring opportunities presented by organisations like GEP and many others. Artisans and youth entrepreneurs have tremendous potential.
Looking ahead, my recent qualification as a Professional Director opens doors to contribute my knowledge to various boards in both the public and private sectors.
As for the future of GEP, strategic positioning in the next five years is crucial. Becoming a “One Stop Shop,” providing integrated support for small businesses under one roof will be even more necessary. This includes lobbying for a better budget to assist more SMMEs and Co-operatives.
In terms of service delivery, GEP is on the right track but could do more with a dedicated budget. The organisation excels in playing a pivotal role in assisting businesses to contribute to the mainstream of our economy.
I believe that the quote “Tell no lies, claim no easy victory” by Amilcar Cabral can serve as a guiding principle, not only in the context of my experiences at GEP but also in shaping the future endeavours of the organisation as it continues its mission of supporting small businesses.
To the GEP family, thank you for the incredible journey. It has been an honour to contribute to the growth of GEP and witness the positive changes in the lives of those we’ve supported. As I step into a new chapter, I do so with gratitude, joy, and a commitment to continued service.