'Most Notably' (8 June 2026)

This week's 'Most Notably' focuses on two issues of concern. The first is about the communication gap between national government departments. This was most recently illustrated by a 5 June 2026 Cabinet media statement referring readers to the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition (DTIC) website for a copy of the revised industrial development strategy, where – more than three days later – it had yet to materialise.

Admittedly, at least someone in the DTIC had the foresight to add this little note to the website's landing page:

"The Industrial Development Strategy (IDS) document will be posted on the website by 14:00 on Monday, 8 June 2026. We apologise for any inconvenience the delay might have caused."

But by 15:08 on Monday 8 June 2026, there was still no sign of it. And since the note will probably be removed when the document finally becomes available (it was), here's a screenshot to prove that we haven't gone completely mad. The original version records the exact time it was taken and can be shared on request!

(The document was eventually published sometime between 15:08 and 16:15 – and you can find our report for SA Legal Academy here.)

The other matter of considerable concern is the latest set of policy proposals prepared by the Department of Small Business Development. Focusing on "revitalising township and rural economies", the document's vision is absurdly over-ambitious in the circumstances – although it's probably the heartfelt wish of everyone living in the communities concerned and trying to run a local business, namely:

• a "well-co-ordinated support ecosystem" for entrepreneurial and small enterprise development

• "vibrant …, thriving townships and rural economies integrated with the mainstream economy", and

• improving the impact of township and rural economies on government's ongoing efforts to alleviate poverty, unemployment and inequality.

Compare that with the document's "problem statement" and you'll discover why we're irritated. It's depressing to say the very least – mainly because of the complex systemic issues underpinning the sorry state of most small businesses operating in those areas. They're listed in an article we wrote for SA Legal Academy when the draft policy was gazetted for public comment.

But what we find most disturbing is that "Illegal foreign nationals and trade in illicit and counterfeit goods" tops that list. Anyone with an understanding of poverty and disadvantage in Africa knows all too well how sensitive this issue is – and how inappropriate it was to position it so crassly in the index. President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent address to the nation on "anti-foreigner protests" underscores that, albeit by default. And while the "problem statement" section of the document does provide more context, much more needs to be said about South Africa's township culture itself and why it developed in the first place.

The same applies to the document's reference to "crime, extortion and lawlessness", which is featured as the second item in that "problem statement" list. Oh dear ...

Until next Monday ...

Policy Watch SA

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