Premier puts the 'me' in SMME

NORTHERN Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul has come under sharp criticism for emblazoning his face on 23 containers that were handed over to SMMEs in Springbok shortly before the by-election held in Ward 6 on May 28.

The ANC claimed a 39.38 percent win in the Nama Khoi municipal by-election. The PA received 30.11 percent of the vote, the Namakwa Civic Movement 16.57 percent, the DA 13.06 percent, while the EFF received 0.87 percent.

The PA, meanwhile, won the Karoo Hoogland by-election on May 28, with 51.5 percent of the vote, followed closely by the ANC with 48.5 percent.

Political parties and socio-economic activists questioned why the containers were branded with the premier’s image instead of the business names of the local entrepreneurs, labelling it a flagrant misuse of taxpayers’ money for political campaigning.

The “Unboxing Basha” containers reportedly came at a cost of around R300,000 each, including equipment and branding, and were officially handed over on May 26.

According to the provincial government, the containerised businesses were custom-designed according to the specific needs of each entrepreneur. These included hair salons, bakeries, food outlets, and spaza shops.

COPE central executive committee member Pakes Dikgetsi condemned the “self-glorification” displayed by the premier.

“It reminds me of the behaviour of self-serving despots who turn public projects into personal public relations campaigns. Only despots shamelessly plaster their images across public spaces to cultivate a cult of personality. According to our information, 100 containers were supposed to have been delivered. Where are the rest?” Dikgetsi questioned.

He also believed that the cost of the containers was highly inflated.

“Given the size of the containers, including the equipment and branding, it should not have cost more than R50,000 each.”

Dikgetsi noted that the initiative, aimed at empowering small businesses and fostering economic growth, was overshadowed by serious ethical and moral concerns.

“The decision to plaster the premier’s face on every single container - each reportedly costing a staggering R300,000 - raises red flags about self-serving motives and misplaced priorities. At R300,000 per container, one has to question the allocation of public funds. Could those resources have been better spent on more containers, training programmes, or direct financial support for SMMEs? Why is the premier’s face prioritised over the very businesses this initiative is supposed to serve?”

He added that instead of showcasing the businesses and their logos, the containers were branded exclusively with the premier’s image.

“The strategy is clear – every time the beneficiary enters the shop, they must be reminded that 'Idi Amin' is watching.

“This isn’t just a missed opportunity to promote the hardworking entrepreneurs of Springbok - it is a blatant act of personal branding that reeks of self-aggrandisement.”

Dikgetsi called for transparency regarding the procurement process.

Containers branded a political ploy

Socio-economic transformation activist William Steenkamp slammed the initiative as a “political stunt”.

“It is disgraceful and insulting how support is supposedly being rendered to local businesses in distress. It is parading meagre goodwill dished out to the poor in a very undignified manner. Good deeds are recognised through bringing about lasting change and empowering communities,” said Steenkamp.

He questioned who authorised the decision to splash the premier’s face all over the containers.

“It makes it appear as if it is a one-man show – like Father Christmas handing out food parcels from his private coffers. It is all about showmanship and lobbying for votes using taxpayers’ money. It is the highest form of narcissism. The premier should rather erect statues of himself in every town in the Northern Cape.”

Steenkamp recommended that all containers be rebranded with the names of the SMMEs.

“These businesses are not owned or run by government.”

The chairperson of the Northern Cape Communities Movement, Ronald February, criticised the alleged misuse of public funds to win the Springbok by-election.

“Every time there is a by-election, resources are made available and government services are suddenly brought to the people. The next batch of containers will probably be handed out at the next by-election to buy votes,” said February.

He pointed out that many applicants who had submitted their names as beneficiaries had not received a container, which measures approximately six metres by six metres.

“The funds could have been better used to build permanent structures. A low-cost house could have been built for the price of one container. This is supposed to be part of the R80 million local business boost launched in 2023 for youth, women, and persons living with disabilities in the township economy.”

Spokesperson for the Office of the Premier, Naledi Gaosekwe, said the provincial government conducted thorough market research and a detailed feasibility study to determine the actual cost of each container set-up.

“These Grade B containers have never been used before. Each unit is fully insulated and comes equipped with air conditioning and an extractor system to ensure a comfortable and functional working environment.”

She added that the containers were fitted with burglar-proof doors and windows, blinds, full electrical wiring, plugs and lighting.

“They are also furnished with shop fittings, carpentry, equipment, and initial stock tailored to the specific type of business. Additional features include full branding, rubberised flooring and finishes to ensure each business is ready for immediate operation.”

Gaosekwe stated that the package included site preparation, laying of concrete slabs, and secure container erection and transportation to each beneficiary’s location.

“Business owners are also supported through marketing assistance, financial management training and mentorship to help ensure sustainability and growth.” 

She indicated that a total of 100 successful applicants had qualified to receive the fully-equipped business containers.

“The first phase of handovers took place in the Namakwa District, with the remaining districts across the province scheduled to follow.

“The initiative was made possible through a once-off funding allocation from the Ministry in the Office of the Premier, under the Youth, Women, and Disability (YWD) programme. Given the comprehensive support provided - well beyond just the container itself - it is not realistic for the cost per business package to be R50,000,” she pointed out.