With the 4 November local government elections approaching, SMMEs in Mpumalanga are looking beyond political promises and asking whether the next municipal leadership could create an environment where businesses could operate, grow and employ more people.
Reliable electricity and water, functioning roads, public safety, efficient administration and access to procurement opportunities could directly determine whether a small business remains profitable.
The challenges were particularly significant for smaller businesses that often had limited cash reserves and could not easily absorb the costs of service interruptions or unexpected expenses.
Lucas Ndlovu, owner of SummerSquare Dealers in Mzinti, said unreliable electricity and water supply are among the biggest challenges affecting his business.
“These disruptions affect how we operate and make it difficult to provide consistent service to our customers,” Ndlovu said.
He said electricity and water interruptions could result in lost business and additional costs when a company has to find alternative ways to continue operating.
“For a small business, even a few hours of disruption can have a financial impact,” he said.
Poor infrastructure adds to the cost of doing business
Ndlovu said poor road conditions and transport challenges also affect the movement of stock and the ability of businesses to meet customer demand.
Delays in receiving goods could disrupt operations, while unreliable infrastructure could increase transport costs and make business planning more difficult.
For SMMEs, the consequences could be significant. Unlike larger companies with greater financial reserves, small businesses often struggle to absorb the costs of lost trading hours, delayed deliveries or alternative services.
Crime creates another cost for local businesses
Crime, theft and vandalism add another layer of pressure for local businesses.
Ndlovu said crime affects the safety of employees and customers while threatening the financial sustainability of businesses.
He added that his business had to consider additional security measures to protect its stock, employees and operations.
“These are extra costs that put pressure on the business, but they are necessary to reduce the risk of theft and vandalism,” Ndlovu said.
For SMMEs already facing high operating costs, spending more on security could mean less money available for expansion, hiring staff or investing in equipment.
Procurement opportunities remained critical
Ndlovu said SummerSquare Dealers has explored municipal support and procurement opportunities.
“I believe there is a need for more accessible information, regular engagement with local businesses and practical support to help SMMEs become compliant and participate in procurement opportunities. More opportunities for local businesses would help us grow, create jobs and contribute to the local economy,” he said.
Jerry Khoza, director of Economic Development and Tourism, said the municipality has been involved in initiatives to support local businesses and expand access to economic opportunities.
He said these initiatives included sharing information about municipal programmes, supporting SMMEs with business development opportunities and creating platforms for local businesses to participate in procurement and supplier development.
Khoza acknowledged that smaller businesses still face challenges with compliance, accessing information and navigating procurement processes.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that information about opportunities reaches businesses in a timely and accessible manner and that SMMEs are supported to become compliant and competitive,” said Khoza.
Khoza also said they are working to strengthen partnerships among the municipality, private-sector businesses and local business organisations to expand opportunities in procurement, investment and tourism-related economic activities.
Political parties faced pressure to deliver
Councillor Kim Fourie, DA Ward 33 councillor in the eMalahleni Local Municipality, said the municipality has not done enough to support small businesses.
“A municipality should make it easier, not harder, to do business. Reliable service delivery, well-maintained infrastructure, efficient administration, and a safe, clean environment are not luxuries; they are essential if businesses are to grow, invest, and employ more people,” Fourie said.
Fourie argued that reliable service delivery, well-maintained infrastructure and efficient municipal administration were essential for businesses to grow, invest and create jobs.
“The DA believes that economic growth starts with getting the basics right,” she added.
Fourie said the party wants to reduce unnecessary red tape, improve financial management and ensure municipal procurement is transparent and gave local SMMEs a genuine opportunity to compete.
She also highlighted the importance of paying suppliers on time, saying delayed municipal payments could place additional pressure on small businesses.
