It is concerning that the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) did not meet its target of assisting 75 youth through the Youth Accelerator Programme.
This information was revealed in the first quarter report for the Department of Economic Development for the 2019/2020 financial year.
According to the quarterly report the Youth Accelerator Programme is supposed to provide unique and tailored non-financial support products and services that propel SMMEs and Cooperatives into the mainstream economy and revitalise township economies.
The main aim of this programme is to assist the youth with employment opportunities, training, mentorship and skills development opportunities.
According to the report, the reason for not assisting any of the youth was because there was a delay in Supply Chain Management processes to appoint a service provider. The tender was advertised on 1 February 2019 but had to be cancelled to address gaps identified by Probity Auditors and the Bid Evaluation Committee.
These skills are critical if the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) is serious about ensuring that township economies are revitalised. This will help small businesses to provide goods and services not only in the townships where they live, but could also allow them to provide goods and services to government.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will be tabling questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to the MEC for Economic Development, Kgosientso Ramokgopa to ascertain if this tender will be re-advertised and by when this process will be concluded.