As job creators and income generators, small businesses form the backbone of our economy and are essential investors in local economies. Increasingly, a municipality’s involvement with SMMEs is stretching beyond issuing business licences, checking environmental health considerations and understanding any impact on town planning, among others. Dr Tesselaar, Programme Manager in the Municipal Manager’s office, tells us more.
Stability.
A fundamental need for any business is to operate in a stable environment. This stability is evident in the Auditor General’s rating of a municipality, and clean audits are rare in South Africa. Business owners must have the confidence that their municipality is committed to providing this basic platform. West Coast District has achieved 15 consecutive clean audits and has officially been named South Africa’s best-run municipality for 2025.
Brand and Marketing.
A municipality’s strategic and tourism brands must tell the region’s compelling story as this brings investors and visitors to local businesses. It also attracts new residents to the region, increasing market size. We tell our story consistently and frequently, reaching targeted audiences through digital media platforms, PR-led media campaigns, and investment and tourism trade shows.
Cutting-edge Technology.
Cutting-edge technology is vital for the survival, growth and competitiveness of SMMEs, enabling them to match larger competitors, improve efficiencies, and reach new markets. As a visionary municipality, Weskus is a forerunner in exploring and adopting AI-led and IoT technology.
Safety and Security.
Providing a safe environment is not only good for business, but it attracts and retains their customers in the region. Weskus initiated and implemented a joint command centre, one of the first of its kind in South Africa. Running off leading technology, the centre includes Weskus Disaster and Emergency operators, SAPS, and local municipal officers.
Breakthrough SMME Enablers.
Several opportunities are unfolding from Weskus including:
- Easy access to municipal business opportunities via our Innovation Hub.
- A Small Business Development strategy, with an emphasis on unlocking or creating opportunities for SMMEs.
- Training and Development, equipping start-ups and SMME owners with expert insights.
Weskus is pursuing a relatable and user-friendly business model and structure, with access to experienced experts in SMME development.
The essential platform of stability, brand, technology, and security has allowed us to progress towards developing products and services for SMMEs.
Dr Johan Tesselaar
Programme Manager
Municipal Manager’s Office
Weskus Distrik
