The Western Cape Government (WCG) saved R2.4 billion between March 2019 and March 2023, making it easier for businesses to operate and create jobs in the province.
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This is thanks to the efforts by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s Red Tape Reduction Unit (RTRU) and its partners, as per a statement.
‘Our aim is to make the Western Cape the easiest place to do business in South Africa so we can enable the private sector to create jobs, rather than be bogged down by unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy,’ says Mireille Wenger, provincial minister of finance and economic opportunities.
‘The R2.4 billion saving enabled by the RTRU shows that our targeted approach to [working] with all levels of government and business is working.’
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According to the governmental statement, this goal forms part of the WCG’s ‘Growth for Jobs’ (G4J) economic plan – an initiative aimed at enabling a R1 trillion jobs-rich and inclusive economy that would grow up to 6% in real terms by 2035.
The RTRU measured the top three interventions, which included:
- An e-license portal for liquor licenses: This includes implementing the digitisation of business-facing government services. The RTRU funded the development and implementation of an integrated e-License online portal for the processing of liquor licenses.
- Cutting through national red tape: Assisting De Beers Marine with approval for the Gariep mining vessel to be sent to the Port of Cape Town dry dock for 112 days of maintenance and refitting
- Modernising government process: To allow for electronic notifications in terms of the Land Use Management Act, in place of post mail. Modernisation resulted in decreased costs and time delays.
‘Cutting red tape also means investment can flow more easily into the province, further improving our reputation as an investment destination of choice for local and international investors,’ Wenger adds.
‘We will continue to work with the private sector and all stakeholders to make sure that businesses in the Western Cape can continue to create jobs, without being hamstrung by red tape.’
The RTRU was launched in 2011 to solve problems and remove ‘red tape barriers’ that prevent business growth.
It acts by:
- Ensuring an effective and efficient Business Support Helpline Service to receive requests from citizens and businesses for assistance
- Identifying legislation and regulatory processes that represent barriers to business, or the efficient delivery of services
- Promoting a culture of making it easier to do business
- Designing interventions based on trend analysis reporting via the Business Helpline Support service to address systemic issues that need change
‘If your business is being held back by red tape, I encourage you to contact the RTRU so we can help remove obstacles to business growth. Growth can only happen if the private sector is enabled to get on with what they do best – create jobs,’ says Wenger.
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Picture: Ian Badenhorst / Unsplash