ATT: THE EDITOR – THE CAPE TIMES
YOUR EDITION TUESDAY 1^st SEPTEMBER 2015
AS OPPOSED TO A THOUGHT LEADERSHIP PIECE – A LETTER OF CONGRATULATIONS TO THOSE CONCERNED  

Congratulations to both UWC and the Economic Opportunities Department on the two day business strategy course which is starting out this week.  As a labour lawyer for over thirty five years and now a spokesperson for labour from a political platform, I have been saying (and sometimes shouting) that we need more entrepreneurs and more young graduates who are willing to take a chance on opening their own businesses and employing others.

Never mind party politics, we are all wanting to create more jobs and every single person in this country wants to see South Africa succeed.  All our other programmes and strategies will only be successful if jobs are created.  We understand that the majority of start ups fail because of various factors including lack of skills, lack of support, onerous regulations, negative labour laws and importantly the lack of the entrepreneurial spirit.

I believe that the University of the Western Cape is strongly positioned to take this province forward by joining hands with the provincial government and in particular our MEC Alan Winde.  We must put our differences aside to ensure that the businesses are registered as quickly as possible and that they not only survive but thrive.

Best regards,

Michael Bagraim