​Lerato Mailoane
Support to enable Small Medium and Macro Enterprises (SMMEs) to economically recover from the COVID-19 pandemic is a priority of the Gauteng Provincial Government.
This is in line with the national Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan which requires all sectors to roll up their sleeves and work together to stabilise the economy. 
The plan has eight key priority areas of action to urgently stabilize and stimulate economic growth while building confidence and competitiveness. 
It also focuses on South Africa's efforts to pursue new sources of growth as we rebuild and grow the economy.
With the local and global economy still under pressure, government says it is small enterprises that present the greatest potential.
Small businesses provide goods and services and are vital drivers of economic activity and provide employment opportunities and sources of livelihood to hundreds of people who, for a variety of reasons, have slipped through the employment net.
Efforts to sustain and ensure that SMMEs reach their full potential will come under the spotlight on Tuesday, 26 October 2021 when the province hosts the Sedibeng SMME Conference.
Themed Reigniting the Sedibeng Economy for Inclusive Growth, the summit will bring together public and private sector partners to ensure that SMMEs have the necessary support in the province and the region to deal with hindrances that curtail their growth.
"The provincial government plans to ensure that SMMEs are geared to participate in the economic opportunities stemming from these growing investments into the Sedibeng region. 
"Through this event, the government will bring together partners from all spheres of government and the private sector to provide options for SMMEs who seek to grow their businesses through financial or non-financial support," the provincial government said.
The summit will be addressed by Gauteng Premier, David Makhura, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Deputy Minister, Fikile Majola and Department of Small Business Development Deputy Minister, Sdumo Dlamini.
The conference builds on the recent Sedibeng Investment Conference which brought together various stakeholders, including government, developers, investors, industrialists and farmers, to deliberate on development initiatives, milestones, projects. 
The Sedibeng Investment Conference signified growing investment interest in the Sedibeng economy, which directly positively impacts the region's SMMEs.
The Southern Development Corridor in Gauteng refers to the Sedibeng District, which comprises of Emfuleni, Lesedi and Midvaal Local Municipalities. 
The region boasts a strong manufacturing sector, as well as a growing services sector with a huge untapped potential to grow agricultural and related industries.