INVESTMENT EDUCATION
path to asset ownership with fewer barriers . Their deep knowledge and experience must be recognised as a bigger part of the capital they bring to the table when credit committees consider funding applications .
Access to funding
For SMMES , landing more lucrative contracts is difficult without funding and guarantees in place . Limited access to capital stifles growth . If a business doesn ’ t have the financial muscle to go out or mechanism in place to grow , they won ’ t break out of their shell .
What is needed is more mentorship and partnerships between bigger businesses working with smaller businesses to do skills transfer and training . Traditionally in the property industry , the same handful of companies are the ones winning the majority of the projects . A sharing of knowledge and skills transfer initiatives to the youth is essential to ensure that the property industry remains a major contributor to the South African economy .
Incentivising change of behaviour
Government and Corporate South Africa needs to do more to incentivise a change in procurement behaviour . We need a larger supplier base and more people having access to opportunities which will open up the industry , giving small to medium sized businesses an opportunity to grow . A change in mindset , collaboration and partnerships is called for .
Bathobile Chime Divisional Director & Client Solutions Cushman & Wakefield Broll
74 DECEMBER 2022 / JANUARY 2023 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine