To ensure the sustainability of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), eThekwini Municipality is rolling out SMME Helpdesk roadshows. These are aimed at bringing services closer to the City’s suppliers to ensure timeous payments.  

The roadshows will start on 6 April at the Hammarsdale Hall (Unit 6), followed by a roadshow at the Clermont Hall on 13 April and then the KwaMashu Hall on 20 April. The last two roadshows will take place on 4 May at the Amanzimtoti Civic Centre and on 11 May at the uMlazi V Hall. All roadshows start at 9am. 

It is important for suppliers to bring their official letter of appointment and invoices to the roadshows in order to be assisted on site. 

The SMME Helpdesk was established in October last year to ensure that suppliers are paid timeously and has proven to be beneficial for suppliers. 

It has assisted over 130 suppliers through walk-ins, telephone queries, and emails. 

The SMME Helpdesk is located at SEDA Office Park, 127 Johannes Nkosi Street. Suppliers can email Accountspay.Statement@durban.gov.za or call 031 322 9971 for assistance. 

The SMME Helpdesk’s core function is to accelerate all payments of unpaid invoices within 31 days, to manage unresolved queries, and to provide a platform to lodge queries. 

The most common challenge leading to delays in payment of invoices is compliance issues and improper invoicing by suppliers. The SMME Helpdesk assists SMMEs with compliance and invoicing information and services. 

The Municipality’s Business Support, Tourism, Markets and Agri-Business Unit also hosts business empowerment workshops where compliance issues are discussed.

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said: “The Helpdesk was established to ensure timeous payments of SMMEs. We call on suppliers to make use of the Helpdesk and its trained staff.”

During the SMME Helpdesk roadshows, information on other Municipal programmes that support businesses will be available. This includes information on applying to be part of the 2022 Durban Business Fair and the Lions’ Den Business Plan development programme. Application forms will be available on site.

ENDS.

Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit. For media enquiries, contact Municipal Spokesman Msawakhe Mayisela on 060 966 4220. 

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