Siyabonga Cwele, minister of telecommunications and postal services, has released a gazette requesting information on small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in SA's ICT sector.
In a statement released today, Cwele says the move is part of government's aim to "nurture and support SMMEs" for economic development.
The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) says it wants SMMEs to outline the nature of their business, years of operation, partnerships (local or global), number of employees, annual turnover and the specific challenges they face.
"As the department, this information will assist us to have a better understanding of ICT SMMEs," adds Cwele.
The DTPS says its information-gathering will help shift ICT SMME development to enable wider participation across the entire ICT value chain. It also aims to create support mechanisms for their long-term sustainability.
According to Cwele, the information gleaned will help government achieve the objectives of the Electronic Communications Act relating to developing and promoting SMME and cooperatives to accelerate black economic empowerment.
He says the DTPS aims to measure the effects that SMMEs have on the economy and what role it can play in helping them "achieve competitiveness in the industry".
"To ensure alignment, we will be working with the newly established Department of Small Business Development so that we have a common approach to SMME development as envisaged by the government," he adds.
The closing date for submissions is 29 August and the gazette number is 37878.
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