a) The terms of reference of the 2016 Annual Review provides an overarching review of trends in the small business economy and is supported by detailed statistics. In doing so, the 2016 Annual Review provides an assessment of the performance of the SMME and cooperative sectors. In this regard, the 2016 Annual Review provides a profile of economic (contribution to Gross Domestic Product, Employment, Import and exports), demographic (population group, gender, age, educational level and location) indicators coupled with the number of small businesses and cooperatives in South Africa.
In addition, the 2016 Annual Review should provide a comprehensive exposition of the needs, challenges and opportunities facing the small business and cooperative sector. In terms of challenges this will include, the impact of the challenges and measures employed to cope thereof. With respect to needs, the review will cover, inter alia, access to financial and non-financial support and market access.
(b) The 2016 Annual Review was commissioned in January 2017.
(c) A draft has been compiled and will be presented to the Executive Committee of the Department of Small Business Development on 20 November 2017 and will be finalised by the end of November 2017 thereafter the report will be submitted to the Minister for consideration.
(d) The 2016 Annual Review is being conducted by Mthente Research and Consulting Services.