Since 1994, great emphasis has been placed on the issues of black economic empowerment and a more equal distribution of income. The need to position South Africa on the high road to economic growth i.e. a diversified economy in which productivity and international competitiveness are enhanced, wage-levels raised, investment stimulated and entrepreneurship flourishes, is recognised as a condition to address these issues successfully (RSA, 1995). The stimulation of SMMEs must be seen as part of an integrated strategy to achieve this (RSA, 1995).

Small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) represent an important vehicle to address the challenges of job creation, economic growth and equity in our country. Throughout the world one finds that SMMEs are playing a critical role in absorbing labour, penetrating new markets and generally expanding economies in creative and innovative ways. With the appropriate enabling environment - SMMEs in this country can follow these examples and make an indelible mark on the South African economy.

In the preface to the Integrated Strategy on the Promotion of Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprises (2005), the then Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Elizabeth Thabethe, summed up the requirements for the success of the Strategy as follows:-

 “The crucial barometer for the success of the Integrated Strategy on the Promotion of Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprises is the continued creation of new start-up firms by all segments of society and in all corners of our country resulting in the improvement of economic and social well being of the poor communities. I have always believed that the Small business sector has both the potential as well as the historic task of bringing millions of people from the survivalist/lower level including the informal economy to the mainstream economy. Constraints to new entrants in the SMME sector must be unblocked through the provision of adequate support to ensure that SMMEs survive the harsh introduction to the stiff competition of big business in the mainstream economy. Success and failure is a normal part of business processes but effective networking, adequate skilling, mentoring, developing good business acumen and sound principles and practices coupled with a high degree of business integrity will ensure that the prevalent environment does not perpetuate a culture of failure but rather a winning culture.”

What our Velociti Y programme aims to achieve is to facilitate and assists the creation of new entrants into the ICT sector and strengthening the growth and sustainability of existing enterprises in their transformation from local micro to globally competitive businesses.

The project is aimed at ICT entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas that have potential for substantial growth and job creation. The main focus will be on pre-revenue or early phase startups with an existing business idea/concept/product/service/technology and the management/ ownership capability in terms of qualifications, background experience, etc to execute and make the businesss successful.

If you are interested in participating in this programme, or know anybody who may benefit, please contact me be email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or download the application form from the Documents/Applications Forms section of this website.