By Phenyo Selinda
Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has expressed her strong support for the recently signed Public Procurement Bill, highlighting its potential to address the socio-economic exclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in South Africa. The bill, which was signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa last month, aims to create a unified framework for public procurement, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and integrity across all state organs.
Speaking at a dialogue on Women, Democracy, and Leadership in South Africa at the University of South Africa (UNISA) on Thursday, Chikunga commended President Ramaphosa’s efforts, stating, “As a department, we will be bringing forward tangible interventions through which this legislation will serve to redress the longstanding and ongoing socio-economic exclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.”
The Public Procurement Bill is seen as a significant step towards creating a more inclusive economy, where marginalised groups can participate fully in economic activities. Chikunga’s remarks emphasised the importance of this legislation in providing new opportunities for those who have been historically disadvantaged.
Advancing Women’s Economic Empowerment
Minister Chikunga also acknowledged the growing support for women entrepreneurs in South Africa, particularly in key sectors such as energy, tourism, agriculture, the ocean economy, and manufacturing. “There is sufficient evidence that reaffirms the importance of women entrepreneurs in contributing to the overall productivity and transformation of our economy through diversifying industries, innovation, and fostering economic resilience,” she noted.
Citing the most recent Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE), Chikunga highlighted that South Africa ranks as the second-highest country in Africa in terms of the proportion of women-owned businesses and the formal support available for women entrepreneurs. Additionally, the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Women’s Entrepreneurship Report has revealed that women in South Africa are among the most innovative and high-growth entrepreneurs globally.
Chikunga stressed that women-owned businesses are not only pivotal in driving economic growth but also play a critical role in creating employment opportunities, promoting inclusive supply chains, and stimulating local economies.
A Continental Vision for Women’s Financial Inclusion
In her address, Minister Chikunga underscored the significance of the Decade for African Women’s Financial Inclusion and Gender Equality, 2020-2030, a key initiative aimed at improving access to finances for women across the continent. “This is a critical initiative for the women of Africa, given that the lack of access to finances hinders their socio-economic progress and thwarts their ability to have ownership and control over resources such as land, businesses, and property,” she said.
Chikunga pointed out that despite progress, women on the continent still face significant challenges in accessing markets, particularly global trade opportunities. She argued that the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) presents a unique opportunity for African women to participate in global markets, which is vital for their economic empowerment.
“Africa must be Africa’s biggest trading partner, and demand for products across the continent offers African women the opportunity to be suppliers to this demand,” Chikunga stated. She called for joint initiatives to pool resources, grow women-owned businesses, and provide the necessary skills and training to take advantage of the opportunities presented by AfCFTA.
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