The Township & Rural Economic Development Agency (TREDA) has launched a national campaign urging all Small, Medium, and Micro-Enterprises (SMMEs) operating in township and rural areas to actively participate in the public commenting process for the new Business Licensing Bill, 2025.
The Bill, issued by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), is described by TREDA as carrying “significant implications for how businesses operate, where they trade, and the conditions under which they participate in the economy.” As the leading institution for grassroots SMME advancement, TREDA is resolute that these voices “must shape this legislation” before the comment period closes on 28 November 2025.
DSBD Engagement and the Role of Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams
To ensure the perspective of the informal and emerging economy is heard, TREDA is working in partnership with the DSBD. The organization has planned a dedicated event to coincide with the provincial engagement led by the current Minister of Small Business Development.
TREDA will formally participate in the Eastern Cape Public Commenting Session led by the Honourable Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, ensuring that grassroots concerns are represented at the highest level of the department responsible for the Bill.
📅 TREDA’s Four-Point Mobilization Strategy
To secure a strong, informed, and unified SMME contribution, TREDA has outlined four key initiatives leading up to the comment deadline:
- Closed Conscientization Session with SMMEs
- Activity: A focused, closed-door engagement to unpack the Bill, break down its implications, and empower SMMEs with the necessary knowledge to make informed submissions.
- Date & Time: Monday, 24 November 2025 @ 12:00.
- Location: Gompo Library, Duncan Village, East London.
- Open Public Commenting Session with DSBD Officials
- Activity: An open public dialogue, convened in partnership with DSBD, designed to bring rural and township entrepreneurs directly together with government officials for live discussions, questions, and sector-specific commenting.
- Date & Time: Monday, 24 November 2025 @ 14:00.
- Location: Gompo Library, Duncan Village, East London.
- Participation in DSBD’s Provincial Session
- Activity: Formal attendance and representation at the provincial engagement led by the Honourable Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.
- Date & Time: Tuesday, 25 November 2025 @ 10:00.
- Location: Asante Estate, East London.
- Digital Submission of a Comprehensive Written Comment
- Activity: TREDA will compile a consolidated, written commentary that reflects the collective insights, constraints, and aspirations of township and rural SMMEs nationwide for submission to the national record.
- Date: Wednesday, 26 November 2025.
A Call to Action: From Margins to Merit
TREDA, led by Chief Executive Officer Ms. Qhamisa Tengile, stresses the need for active participation, asserting, “Your voice cannot be silent!” The mobilization aims to articulate a powerful SMME position that shifts the economic narrative “FROM MARGINS TO MERIT” by influencing the new licensing framework.
