​GAUTENG ANNOUNCES CONSTRUCTION EXPO FOR DESIGNATED SMMEs 

 Thursday, 01 February 2024 

The Gauteng Provincial Government will host the inaugural “Re Aga Mmogo” Construction EXPO for businesses (SMMEs) owned by women, youth, persons with disabilities and military veterans on the 15th of February 2024 at the Johannesburg EXPO Centre. In a significant stride towards addressing ongoing inequalities, discrimination and marginalisation, the province will use the EXPO as a platform to introduce designated SMMEs to economic opportunities from the public and private sector within the construction and built industry. The construction SMMEs owned by the four designated groups: women, youth, persons with disabilities and military veterans are a major contributor to economic growth and job creation in the sector. However, they remain under-capacitated and disadvantaged. Over and above economic opportunities, the EXPO will also provide SMMEs with other business support and skills development opportunities. The EXPO will assist SMMEs to access higher education skills development and mentorship programmes. Other entities delivering training, skills development business support for SMMEs will also be featured. SMMEs will also receive information on complex construction regulatory issues and processes which are a barrier for many companies within the industry. The EXPO will feature four pavilions representing government and public sector agencies, business, funding institutions as well as institutions of higher learning and professional bodies. The EXPO is championed by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and his executive. This marks a pivotal moment for many SMMEs owned by the designated groups who are unable to access business opportunities within the sector. “The convergence of stakeholders from the public, private, and civil society sectors, demonstrates our intention to find unique solutions to support and sustain SMMEs in the province,” said the MEC for Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development, Lebogang Maile. The exhibitors, include business support entities such as the South African Revenue Services (SARS), the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), National Homebuilders Registration Council (NHBRC). Exhibitors will deploy live technology systems to provide realtime solutions to participants onsite. MEC Maile added “We have opted for this unique approach to avoid the EXPO becoming a talk-shop. Instead, our format will ensure that we deliver maximum value to the targeted SMMEs. We want to deliver meaningful and life changing opportunities”. Key construction industry and built sector institutions are expected to grace the EXPO to showcase their work, business opportunities and even share success stories to inspire SMMEs. The EXPO will also hear firsthand empowering information from industry leaders, experts, thought leaders as well as testimonies from SMME owners. “This holistic approach underscores the Gauteng Provincial Government's commitment to building meaningful partnerships to promote preferential procurement and a developmental approach to support SMMEs in Gauteng” concluded MEC Maile. 

-Ends

Members of the media wishing to attend and report on the EXPO can RSVP via email: morati.sethabela@gauteng.gov.za, 071 605 9557 

Contact: Castro Ngobese. Spokesperson: MEC for Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development Mobile: +2760 997 7790