Boosting entrepreneurship in SA - What should government do?

[mother]

Then we need a BUY SOUTH AFRICA campaign that everyone will believe in.

This is an issue I feel passionately about as well! Last year (2nd year of my business), I looked at getting the "proudly South African" stamp... Do you know how much that costs?!?! How can any new & small business afford it?

There should be a government drive behind putting new SA small businesses on the map. I haven't given it enough thought to have a clear picture in my mind of what we need, but I imagine it would start with some kind of organisation/body that new businesses can belong to. The purpose of this organisation is SUPPORT. This support would include mentorship where needed (one-on-one or in the form of seminars) and helping to promote new businesses (perhaps in the form of expo's - expenses can be covered by entrance fees / sponsors). Membership and interaction with other entrepreneurs will also eliminate that feeling of isolation, as it will provide a network, where ideas/concerns/questions can be shared (that's one of the main reasons I joined this forum).