Ann Bernstein: The Small Business Ministry is a "waste of resources" and needs to be shut down

Ann Bernstein, Executive Director of the Center for Development and Enterprise, critiques South Africa's Small Business Development Department and its lack of measurable impact. She argues that billions of rand are being wasted on ineffective government-run programs, calling for a shift towards private sector involvement in small business support. Bernstein also highlights the need for regulatory reform, advocating for an SME test to assess the impact of laws on small firms and increased transparency in government spending. She stresses that small businesses must be seen as vital to the broader economy, driving growth and job creation.