Tag: Small and Medium Enterprise (SME)

The 2026 Budget Speech, delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in February 2026, has generally been described as a “good news” budget. At a macro level, the strides toward fiscal consolidation are notable. Additionally, the increase in VAT for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) reflects a shift in revenue strategy. These developments support key socio-economic measures, including employment.

The 2026 National Budget Speech was delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on 25 February. He delivered the 2026 budget speech against a backdrop of complex fiscal trade-offs. South Africa continues to face high debt-servicing costs. As a result, the government’s capacity to act as the primary buffer against economic shocks has become more constrained. Therefore, the 2026 budget speech highlights the growing importance of shared responsibility across the broader economy.

Hiring your first employee is a defining moment in your small business’s journey. This milestone can accelerate growth and improve profitability. However, it also comes with risks. Finding the right person will help you reach business goals, but the wrong hire could sap momentum, strain resources or even cause financial losses.

As new and emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), continue to reshape the business world, change is inevitable. We are calling on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to look beyond the hype. They should focus on harnessing AI as a genuine catalyst for operational improvement and enhanced customer engagement.

Picture this: It’s peak travel season and you have left it until the last minute to book accommodation for that all-important conference. Now, your only options are a presidential suite in Sandton or a faded motel on the outskirts of the city. The motel comes with shared bathrooms and no sign of a Nespresso machine. Sound familiar?

Multitasking comes naturally to you as the owner or manager of a small, growing business. But when it comes to recruitment, many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) feel stretched. Without an internal recruiter or a dedicated HR team, it is difficult to know where to start.

For Mzansi’s small businesses, Heritage Month arrives at a pivotal moment. It marks the start of the year’s busiest trading season. The weeks ahead often determine not just whether a business survives. They also determine if it can seize new growth opportunities.

Nearly 3 million Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) employ more than 13 million South Africans. This Heritage Month, a single shopping choice can help secure those jobs. Every rand spent locally is a vote for jobs. We urge consumers to prioritise local businesses this Heritage Month.

It is no secret that South African small businesses demonstrate remarkable resilience and optimism despite ongoing challenges. At the forefront of this resilience is digitisation. It is proving to be a vital catalyst for continued growth. In fact, digitisation delivers better business outcomes every day.

Running a small business in South Africa has never been easy. With economic pressures ranging from inflation to rising operational costs, every decision matters. For many small and medium enterprises (SMEs), overlooked details in contracts can mean the difference between financial stability and unexpected setbacks.