Round of applause for the new Minister.

The SME sector seem to be hopefull that things will turn for the better under the leadership of new Minister of Department of Small Business Development,Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams. This, after President Cyril Ramaphosa reshuffled his cabinet,a few days ago.

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni,her predecessor,has been redeployed to Communications and Digital Technologies Department, a position previously occupied by Ndabeni-Abrahams.

Although the new Minister comes at a difficult time in South African economy,due to Covid 19 pandemic and the recent civil unrests which resulted in lootings and destroying of property,mostly in KZN and Gauteng, costing around R50 Billion, SMMEs are hopeful she will in new fresh ideas to turn things around.

Momentum Investments economist Sanisha Packirisamy said this was not a sweeping reconfiguration of Cabinet, but it addressed urgent vacancies and likely strengthened the potential effectiveness of Cabinet at the margin.

“The department of small business development has been punching below its weight for some time, with many SMME sector and informal traders formations decrying lack of support.

The efforts to revive the struggling small business industry were severely damaged by the riots and looting in July, leaving thousands jobless. “She said.

The Small Business Institute (SBI) also threw its weight behind Ndabeni-Abrahams, saying she will build on a solid foundation to mainstream the SME agenda left by her predecessor.

“As an important voice in the SME ecosystem, we look forward to working with her towards making this important segment of the economy play its rightful role,” it said.

“In us, she has a reliable and willing partner for collaboration towards the success of all SMEs in our country.”

Educational Qualifications

According to her government profile, the Mthatha born Ndabeni –Abrahams holds qualifications in: Telecommunications and Managements Systems (Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation ), Telecommunications, Policy and Regulation Management from Wits University, Project Management from Rhodes University and Cranefields College.

Work Experience & Political Background

She has been in the Communications Department from 2011 to 2021, both as a Deputy Minister and Minister.

Ms Ndabeni-Abrahams has been a member of the following parliamentary committees:

· Portfolio Committee on Communications and Committee Whip in 2011;

· Portfolio Committee on Defence and Committee Whip from 2009 to 2011;

· Defence and Intelligence; and

· African National Congress (ANC) Parliamentary Caucus Sub-Committee on Political Education.

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She is currently a member of the ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Executive and Provincial Working committees.

Prior to being a Member of Parliament, Ms Ndabeni-Abrahams was a Project Manager for the Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council from 2003 to 2009.

She is a recipient of the Premier's Award for her involvement in voluntary activities aimed at improving peoples’ lives.