SME decision-makers in Gauteng can look forward to a new newspaper that will provide them with a myriad of relevant news, views and management insights to help them run their businesses more efficiently, when 'Gauteng Business' is launched on 1 March 2005 by Media24.Gauteng Business is a stand-alone publication and will appear every two weeks on Tuesdays at leading newsagents and via subscriptions. The publication will be printed on high quality paper and published in an easy to read tabloid format.
To ensure that SME decision-makers are in the know of what is happening in their immediate environment, the editorial focus and distribution will initially be limited to Gauteng Province. Gauteng is the economic hub of South Africa and produces approximately 33% of the national gross domestic product (GDP), or 10% of the GDP of Africa. SMEs make up more than 95% of all enterprises in South Africa and employ more than 50% of the national labour force.
"SMEs play a critical role in the South African economy. Gauteng Business aims to provide SMEs in the province with relevant news and views that will empower them to reach greater levels of success," says Ryk van Niekerk, publisher and editor of the new publication.
Gauteng Business targets SMEs that have been in business for at least a year, are registered for VAT and have between 10 and 500 employees. "Thousands of these SMEs in Gauteng are not operating at optimal efficiency levels. These businesses could be much more profitable if their key decision-makers are better informed. Gauteng Business will provide the necessary information that will empower successful SMEs to be more efficient and to grow their businesses," says Van Niekerk.
Gauteng Business will be news-driven and package its contents in several sections. These sections will cover, amongst others, general SME related news, SME sector specific news, and business opportunities that include a detailed list of tenders, businesses for sale, trends and franchise opportunities.
A substantial management section will analyze key mistakes SMEs typically make and provide guidelines on how to rectify and avoid them. Significant attention will be given to cash flow management, marketing, labor, empowerment and administrative issues.
Other sections will look at SME related motoring and property news, ICT developments and new products and services - both from national companies and those that SMEs develop themselves.
Several well-known columnists will interpret macro-economic data and new trends in understandable English for SME decision-makers. Readers will also be able to interact with the newspaper in a dedicated letters section.
