Expanding our outreach and cutting Red Tape through the power of partnerships: The Business Support Helpline Service, in collaboration with the Thusong Centres is making it easier to do business in the Western Cape

Are you a startup or emerging contractor facing challenges, especially with complex regulations and bureaucratic processes? Navigating these hurdles alone can be daunting, but there's good news!

The Red Tape Reduction Unit, in collaboration with Thusong Centres across the Province, is changing this narrative by making it easier for you to do business through the Business Support Helpline Service, with our Handbook on important information for Emerging Contractors!

Did you know that the Business Support Helpline has successfully assisted over 10,000 businesses with their red tape challenges since its inception in 2012? In the 2023/24 financial year alone, we achieved a remarkable 93% resolution rate with 81% satisfaction based on feedback from businesses.

The Unit’s expansive partnership with the Department of Infrastructure as well as the Department of Local Government has allowed the Handbook of Important Information to reach even more emerging contractors in the Province, as well as citizens seeking to understand the compliance environment of being an emerging contractor.

In terms of our outreach with Thusong Centres, the Business Support Helpline Service of the Red Tape Reduction Unit has already had two successful interventions in Beaufort West as well as Ladismith, reaching more than 90 businesses!

At the Department of Infrastructure engagement sessions, emerging contractors and citizens are also provided with the booklet – a collaborative effort between the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Department of Infrastructure.

“The booklet is exceptionally readable and provides step-by-step instructions on how to establish a business, particularly for those who intend to conduct business with the government. It additionally provides a comprehensive explanation of each phase involved in registering the business,” says Lizo Paul, the Coordinator at the Thusong Centre in Breede Valley.  

Whether you are a startup or an emerging contractor, for you to do business within the public sector there are rules and regulations you need to adhere to. With this handy booklet in your pocket, you will be able to easily find the necessary steps and processes that you need to follow to remain complaint.

Lizo Paul adds, “This booklet has not only assisted aspiring business owners, but also individuals who have already entered the field but encounter difficulties obtaining accurate information regarding government-related business documents.”

We're pleased to hear such positive feedback about the booklet. By reducing red tape, our aim is to help contractors concentrate more on business growth and less on bureaucratic hurdles.

Citizens and emerging contractors with the booklet at the Kannaland Thusong Centre

Curious about where to get your own copy of the booklet? You can download it here:

In terms of our partnership with the Department of Infrastructure, these are a few of the upcoming sessions planned, should you be interested in attending as a citizen or business regarding the Contractor Information Sessions: