. Public awareness of the mechanisms implemented, as agreed to in the "Framework agreement" remains a concern. . Many companies and businesses are unaware of the existence of the Training labour lay-off scheme and the funding to companies in distress provided for by the IDC. . While conducting its oversight visits the committee noted that there was little or no coordination between the funding to companies in distress (as provided by the IDC) and the labour lay-off scheme. . Members of the public (especially the poorer provinces) are unaware of the existence of Khula and Samaf as development finance institutions. . There is a lack of monitoring and evaluation by the IDC, Khula and Samaf to institutions/companies it provided funding to. . Capacity building initiatives by Samaf and Khula will be imperative for the sustainability and viability of SMMEs. . The Competition Commission still relies to heavily on applications received by the public and other stakeholders to investigate issues of possible collusion. . The Competition Commission lacks the necessary capacity to perform its mandate optimally. . Members of the public are unaware of the work and outcomes of cases by the Competition Commission. . Cooperation and coordination between the Competition Commission and the Competition Tribunal and other stakeholders will be critical if the Commission is to work efficiently. . The cumbersome process of applying for funding from the DFIs, remains an obstacle for funding to broader communities. . The public lacks the necessary information relating to the activities of the Competition Commission and the International Trade Administration Commission of SA (ITAC). . Tender-rigging remains a challenge. . There are signs that provinces are endeavouring to align their Provincial Growth and Development Strategies (PGDSs) with that of the national plans. . There is a lack of coordination and cooperation between the Provincial Department of Economic Development and municipalities on the development of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategies (PGDSs) and the Local Economic Development plans (LEDs), respectively. . The establishment and creation of viable cooperatives will be fundamental in eradicating poverty and creating jobs. . Khula's impact will be greater once Khula Direct is implemented. . The recapitalisation of Khula Direct will be critical. . Coordination and cooperation between the different DFIs is imperative for poverty alleviation. . The presence and existence of Khula and Samaf in the local areas is vital for economic development. . Khula Direct will be implemented initially as a pilot. . The EDD is experiencing challenges with regard to the roll-out of their official website. . It takes the EDD 3-4 months to fill a position. The committee is of the view that this period is too long. . The financial performance of the department (for the 1st and 2nd quarter) is a concern to the committee. . The Green Economy is a sector which will provide jobs to the poorest of the poor, e.g. waste recycling. . The EDD is working with the National Treasury on the revision of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act. . EDD will underspend this financial year. . EDD will lead policy issues on e.g. the Green Economy and the Second Economy. . A media statement was made on Tuesday, 26 October 2010 on the Framework for the New Growth Path. . Information between the EDD and IDC are skewed. Members are concerned that there might be a communication gap between the two as information between them does not correlate. . Working relations with the MECs and Provincial Departments of Economic Development is unfolding very positively. . With regard to agricultural and rural development, the EDD is working closely with the Department of Rural Development, where many jobs to be created in this sector will be in the second economy, according to the EDD. . The committee commended the EDD for not utilizing consultants on a large scale. . The EDD has developed a dashboard of indicators for measuring the performance of entities. . Initial research was undertaken by the EDD on a Cooperatives strategy, where engagements were held with National Treasury and further consultations with the DTI and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). . A MOU was drafted with an academic institution to develop a policy and monitoring tool relating to the Cooperatives strategy.