Gauteng Enterprise Propeller Act

Act 5 of 2005

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Gauteng
South Africa

Gauteng Enterprise Propeller Act

Act 5 of 2005

  1. [Amended by Gauteng Enterprise Propeller Amendment Act, 2009 (Act 1 of 2009) on 9 April 2009]
(English text signed by the Premier)ACTTo provide for the establishment, purpose and functioning of Gauteng Enterprise Propeller; and to provide for matters incidental thereto.
PreambleA. Small enterprise support initiatives have not resulted in significant increase in sustainable and profitable small business and have not contributed significantly to gross domestic product, equity and employment in Gauteng.B. The Gauteng Provincial Government has identified the need for a small enterprise support strategy that goes beyond the current programmes of Government and financial institutions and provides financial and non- financial support to small enterprises in Gauteng.BE IT THERFORE ENACTED by the Provincial Legislature of the Gauteng Province as follows:—

Chapter 1

1. Definitions

(1)In this Act, unless the context indicates otherwise—Board" means the Board of GEP established in terms of section 7;Chief Executive Officer” means the Chief Executive Officer of GEP appointed in terms of section 20;Constitution” means the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996;Department” means the Department responsible for Economic Affairs in the Province;GEP” means Gauteng Enterprise Propeller established in terms of section 2;Head of Department” means the Head of Department responsible for Economic Affairs in the Province;Legislature" means the Legislature of the Province;MEC” means the Member of the Executive Council responsible for Economic Affairs in the Province;Prescribed” means prescribed by regulation;Province” means the province of Gauteng;Public Finance Management Act” means the Public Finance Management Act, 1 of 1999;Republic” means the Republic of South Africa;Schedule” means the Schedule to this Act;Service Provider" means any public or private entity providing support services to small enterprises;Small Enterprise” means a separate and distinct business entity, including co-operative enterprises and non-governmental organisations, managed by one or more owner which, including its branches or subsidiaries, if any, is predominantly carried on in any sector or sub-sector of the economy mentioned in column 1 of the Schedule and which can be classified as a micro-, very small, small or medium enterprise by satisfying in relation to the relevant sector the criteria mentioned in columns 3, 4 and 5 of the Schedule opposite the relevant size of class mentioned in column 2 of the Schedule; andthis Act" includes the Schedule and any regulations made in terms of this Act.

Chapter 2
Establishment of GEP

2. Establishment of Gauteng Enterprise Propeller

(1)GEP is hereby established as a juristic person.
(2)GEP must act through the Board.

3. Application of the Public Finance Management Act

(1)GEP is a provincial public entity as defined in section 1 of the Public Finance Management Act and its regulations applicable to provincial public entities.
(2)For the purposes of the Public Finance Management Act
(a)the Board is the accounting authority as contemplated in section 49(2)(a) of the Public Finance Management Act;
(b)the MEC is the executive authority as contemplated in section 52 of the Public Finance Management Act; and
(c)any delegation of the Board’s responsibilities in terms of the Public Finance Management Act must be in accordance with the provisions of section 56 of that Act.
(3)No provision in this Act has the effect of relieving GEP of any obligation imposed on it by the Public Finance Management Act and its regulations or any other applicable legislation.

4. Objectives of GEP

(1)The objectives of GEP are to—
(a)promote, foster and develop small enterprises in Gauteng;
(b)implement the policy of the Gauteng Provincial Government for small enterprise development;
(c)design and implement small enterprise development support programmes within Gauteng;
(d)establish and promote a support network in order to increase the contribution of small enterprises to the Gauteng economy;
(e)promote economic growth, job creation and equity,
(f)integrate all government-funded small enterprise support agencies in Gauteng;
(g)strengthen the capacity of service providers to assist small enterprises; and
(h)strengthen the capacity of small enterprises to compete successfully domestically and internationally.
(2)The primary mechanisms by which GEP may achieve its objectives are—
(a)providing non-financial support measures to assist entrepreneurs including, but not limited to—
(i)assisting with business plans;
(ii)accounting and legal services;
(iii)computer and other skills training;
(iv)tender information and advice;
(v)access to government information and incentives;
(vi)import and export advice;
(vii)manufacturing advice; and
(viii)assistance with client relations, marketing and research;
(b)providing financial support measures to assist entrepreneurs including, but not limited to—
(i)subject to section 6, providing guarantees;
(ii)bridging finance;
(iii)debtor factoring;
(iv)re-financing of debts; and
(v)early debt retirement incentives;
(c)co-ordinating the provision of support measures by service providers and other stakeholders; and
(d)providing one-stop support to entrepreneurs.

5. Responsibilities of GEP

In order to achieve its objectives, GEP may:
(a)support the sustainable development, provision and improvement of small enterprise advisory centres;
(b)establish guidelines for small enterprise development;
(c)undertake activities in the Province, nationally and internationally to attract support for small enterprise development in the Province;
(d)develop strategic and business partnerships and other co-operative arrangements with civil society and other organisations in the Province, the Republic and other countries;
(e)co-ordinate, support and interact with organisations and institutions aimed at promoting and developing small enterprise in the Province and nationally;
(f)join and participate in organisations for small enterprise development and marketing;
(g)provide finance for any project to develop small enterprises in the Province;
(h)design and implement small enterprise development support programmes in order to facilitate—
(i)the building of sustainable and competitive enterprises;
(ii)the promotion of entrepreneurship;
(iii)the creation of an enabling operating environment for small enterprises;
(iv)access by small enterprises to financial and non-financial resources, capacity-building services, products and services; and
(v)international and national market access for products and services of small enterprises.
(i)develop, co-ordinate and foster partnerships with the local sphere of government, the private sector and relevant stakeholders that may assist GEP to achieve its objectives;
(j)promote a service delivery network to facilitate access to development support for small enterprises;
(k)facilitate and co-ordinate research relating to small enterprise support programmes;
(l)provide advice, information, analysis and support in the implementation of a small enterprise development policy in the Province;
(m)at the request of the MEC, investigate, comment and advise on the effect of existing and proposed legislation on small enterprises and to report to the MEC thereon;
(n)improve the understanding of the public regarding the contribution of small enterprises to domestic economic growth, job creation and general welfare;
(o)establish regional and local structures to implement its objectives effectively; and
(p)perform any other act not inconsistent with this Act.

6. Guarantees

No guarantee may be issued in terms of this Act unless it is issued through the MEC in accordance with the requirements of section 66(3)(d) of the Public Finance Management Act.

Chapter 3
The Board of GEP

7. Constitution of Board and appointment of members

(1)
(a)The MEC must constitute the Board; and
(b)Appoint no less than four and not more than twelve members of the Board.
(2)Before appointing the members of the Board, the MEC must invite, through the media and by notice in the Provincial Gazette, nominations of candidates for appointment.
(3)The MEC must ensure that the Board
(a)represents a broad section of the population of Gauteng with special attention to race, gender, disability, geographical spread and organisations based in rural areas;
(b)has members with experience in business;
(c)has members who on account of their training or experience arc knowledgeable about—
(i)trade, industry, finance or the economy;
(ii)the legal framework applicable to small enterprises; and
(iii)the management of small enterprises.
(4)The MEC may determine any other criteria or procedure for appointing members.
(5)The Chief Executive Officer is a member of the Board by virtue of holding that office.
(6)All members of the Board, other than the Chief Executive Officer, are appointed part-time.
(7)The MEC must designate—
(a)a member of the Board as chairperson; and
(b)another member as deputy-chairperson, to act as chairperson of the Board when the chairperson is unable to perform those duties.
(8)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Act, but subject to the provisions of section 7(l)(a) and 7(2), the MEC may on good cause, dispense with compliance of any of the provisions of this section.

8. Disqualifications for appointment or membership

(1)A person may not be appointed a member of the Board if that person—
(a)is not a citizen of the Republic, and resident in the Province;
(b)is a Member of Parliament, a Provincial Legislature, a Municipal Council or a House of Traditional leaders established in terms of the Constitution;
(c)is an unrehabilitated insolvent;
(d)is of unsound mind, as declared by a competent court;
(e)has at any time been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty;
(f)has at any time been removed from an office of trust on account of misconduct; and
(g)has previously been removed from the Board for a breach of any provision of this Act.
(2)A member of the Board must vacate office if that member becomes subject to a disqualification contemplated in subsection (1).

9. Termination of membership of the Board

(1)The MEC, may terminate the appointment of a board member—
(a)for misconduct, incapacity or incompetence;
(b)for failing to comply with section 8(2) or 16(1);
(c)if the member fails to attend three consecutive meetings of the Board without a valid explanation; or
(d)on good cause shown.
(2)If the performance of the Board has been unsatisfactory or ineffective, the MEC may, after giving the Board an opportunity to be heard, dissolve the Board.

10. Term of office of members of the Board

(1)A member of the Board
(a)may hold office for a period of three years;
(b)serves on the terms and conditions determined by the MEC and specified in the letter of appointment of the member; and
(c)may resign by giving three months’ written notice to the MEC or such notice as is stipulated in the letter of appointment.
(2)If a member’s appointment is terminated or a member resigns, the MEC may appoint a person to fill the vacancy for the unexpired portion of the period for which the member was appointed, or for such a period as the MEC may determine subject to the provisions of subsection (3).
(3)Subject to section 8, any person whose term of office as a member of the Board has expired is eligible for reappointment provided that such member may not serve for more than two terms.
(4)The MEC must determine the remuneration and allowances of members of the Board.
(5)The Chief Executive Officer and any member in the service of the State may not receive additional remuneration or allowances for serving on the Board, but may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of their functions in terms of this Act.

11. Responsibilities of the Board

(1)The Board must—
(a)ensure that the responsibilities of GEP are performed and that the objectives of GEP are achieved;
(b)exercise the fiduciary duties and responsibilities of an accounting authority in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act in respect of GEP; and
(c)function in a transparent and open manner.
(2)The MEC may give the Board written directives not inconsistent with this Act.
(3)The Board may do all that is necessary or expedient to carry out its responsibilities including—
(a)Instituting, conducting and defending civil proceedings in any matters relating to its functions;
(b)acquiring or disposing of any right in or to property, provided that ownership in immovable property may be acquired or disposed of only with the consent of the MEC;
(c)performing legal acts, including acts in association with any other person or organ of state; and
(d)approve the entering into contracts relating to financial support with financial institutions or any other institutions with objectives similar to those of GEP.

12. Executive Committee

(1)The Board may appoint an executive committee consisting of—
(a)two or more of its members; and
(b)the Chief Executive Officer, who is a non-voting member of the executive committee.
(2)The executive committee—
(a)has the power to perform all the functions of the Board between meetings of the Board; and
(b)does not have the power to set aside or amend any decision of the Board.
(3)A decision of the executive committee may be set aside or amended by the Board at its next meeting, subject to any rights that may have become vested as a consequence of the decision

13. Committees of the Board

(1)The Board may appoint one or more committees to deal with or enquire into any matter referred to it by the Board and to report on that matter to the Board.
(2)A committee must consist of one or more members of the Board and, if the Board so decides, other persons who are not disqualified from being members of the Board.
(3)If a committee consists of more than one member, the Board must designate a member of the Board appointed to the committee as its chairperson.
(4)The Board may from time to time dissolve or reconstitute a committee.
(5)A member of a committee who is not a member of the Board or in the full-time service of the State is entitled to receive such remuneration and allowances from the funds of the Board as the Board, after consultation with the MEG, may determine.

14. Delegations of the Board’s responsibilities

(1)The Board may, subject to the provisions of this section, delegate its responsibilities, functions or duties to—
(a)any member of the Board or any committee of the Board; or
(b)the Chief Executive Officer.
(2)A delegation under subsection (1) must be in writing and—
(a)may be subject to any conditions or restrictions determined by the Board;
(b)does not prevent the exercise of that responsibility by the Board; and
(c)may be withdrawn or amended by the Board,
(3)Anything done in the exercise or performance of a responsibility, function or duty delegated by the Board, is deemed to have been done by the Board.

15. Expert assistance

(1)The Board may obtain the assistance of persons with appropriate expertise to assist it in performing its functions,
(2)The Board must—
(a)determine the terms, conditions, remuneration and allowances applicable to any person appointed under subsection (1), and the work to be performed or service to be rendered by them; and
(b)conclude a written agreement with that person containing the matters set out in paragraph (a).
(3)Upon having performed the work or completed the service in terms of an agreement contemplated in subsection (2)(b), the person must submit a report to the Board for its consideration,
(4)The Board, after considering a report contemplated in subsection (3), may refer the matter back to the person for such further attention as the Board may determine.

16. Board member’s conflicts of interest

(1)Members of the Board
(a)must make a full disclosure of any conflict of interest including any potential conflict;
(b)may not vote, attend or participate in any proceedings of the Board in relation to any matter before the Board in respect of which they have a conflict of interest; and
(c)must comply with any decision of the Board as to whether they are entitled to participate in any particular proceedings of the Board.
(2)For the purposes of this section, a member has a conflict of interest if—
(a)the member, or a family member, partner or business associate of the member is applying for, or has a financial or other interest in a business that is applying for, assistance from GEP or has made representations in relation to an application under consideration; or
(b)the member has any other interest that may preclude, or may reasonably be perceived as precluding, the member from performing the functions of a member of the Board in a fair, unbiased and proper manner,
(3)Any disclosure in terms of subsection 1(a) and any decision of the Board in terms of subsection 1(c), must be recorded in the minutes of the Board.

17. Meetings of the Board

(1)The Board must hold at least four meetings per year.
(2)The Chairperson—
(a)may convene a special meeting of the Board; and
(b)must convene a special meeting within 14 days of receiving a written request to do so, signed by at least one third of the members of the Board.
(3)The request referred to in subsection 2(b) must clearly state the reason for the request and only those matters may be discussed at the special meeting.
(4)The MEC may request a meeting with the Board at any time, should the need arise.
(5)If the chairperson and deputy-chairperson are not present, the members present must appoint another member to preside at the meeting.
(6)At a meeting, a majority of the members present constitutes a quorum.
(7)A decision of the majority of the members present at any quorate meeting constitutes a decision of the Board and in the event of an equality of votes, the chairperson shall have a casting vote in addition to a deliberative vote.
(8)A decision taken by a majority of Board members present at a quorate meeting, or an act performed in terms of such a decision, is not invalid merely by reason of—
(a)any irregularity in the appointment of a member;
(b)a vacancy on the Board;
(c)the fact that any person not entitled to be a member participated at a meeting at the time the decision was taken; or
(d)the fact that a member participated in the meeting in breach of section 16(1).

18. Conduct of meetings

(1)The Board may determine rules of procedure for conducting its business at meetings.
(2)Minutes of proceedings of every meeting of the Board must be—
(a)recorded and kept in a manner that cannot be altered or tempered with; and
(b)submitted to the next meeting of the Board for consideration and, if adopted, must be signed by the chairperson.
(3)The Board may—
(a)permit members to participate in a particular meeting by telephone, closed-circuit television, and a member who participates in this manner is regarded as being present at the meeting; and
(b)invite a person to attend a meeting for the purpose of advising or informing the Board on any matter.

19. Resolution without meeting

(1)The Board may adopt a resolution without a meeting if at least a majority of the members indicate their support for the resolution in accordance with a procedure previously established by the Board.
(2)A resolution in terms of subsection (1)—
(a)has the same status as if it was adopted at a meeting; and
(b)must be regarded as having been adopted on a day determined in accordance with the procedure contemplated in subsection (1).

Chapter 4
Chief Executive Officer

20. Appointment of the Chief Executive Officer

(1)The MEC, after consulting the Board, must appoint a Chief Executive Officer.
(2)The Chief Executive Officer must be—
(a)a fit and proper person who possesses knowledge, qualifications and experience in the development and promotion of small enterprises; and
(b)a citizen of the Republic and resident in the Province.
(3)The Chief Executive Officer holds office—
(a)for a period not exceeding 3 years, and is eligible for reappointment; and
(b)on such terms and conditions as the MEC, after consulting the Board, may determine.
(4)The Chief Executive Officer may not engage in any paid employment outside the functions of the office without prior approval of the Board.
(5)The Chief Executive Officer may resign by notice in writing to the MEC as prescribed in the contract of employment referred to in section 21(1).
(6)On ceasing to hold office for any reason, the Chief Executive Officer ceases to be a member of the Board or any other body on which he or she represented GEP.

21. Employment contract and performance agreement

(1)The MEC and the Chief Executive Officer must conclude a written contract of employment for the Chief Executive Officer which must incorporate in an appropriate form the provisions of section 57 of the Public Finance Management Act.
(2)The Board and the Chief Executive Officer must conclude a performance agreement for the Chief Executive Officer
(a)within a reasonable time after the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer; and
(b)thereafter, annually within one month of the commencement of each financial year.
(3)The performance agreement must include—
(a)measurable performance objectives and targets that must be met, and the time frames within which those performance objectives and targets must be met;
(b)standards and procedures for evaluating performance and intervals for evaluation; and
(c)the consequences of substandard performance.

22. Disqualification from holding office of Chief Executive Officer and termination of office

(1)No person may be appointed as Chief Executive Officer if that person is disqualified from being a member of the Board in terms of section 8(1).
(2)The Chief Executive Officer must vacate office if he or she becomes disqualified in terms of section 8(1).
(3)The MEC, after giving the Chief Executive Officer an opportunity to be heard and after consulting the Board, may terminate the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer if, in the opinion of the MEC, sufficient reasons exist to do so.

23. Responsibilities of Chief Executive Officer

(1)The Chief Executive Officer is—
(a)an employee of GEP;
(b)responsible for running GEP on a day-to-day basis; and
(c)accountable to the Board.
(2)The CEO may, subject to section 11(3)(c) do all that is necessary or expedient to carry out his or her responsibilities in terms of this Act, including but not limited to—
(a)entering into contracts; and
(b)holding consultative meetings with stakeholders, beneficiaries and provincial representatives to discuss the activities and performance of GEP at least once a year.

24. Appointment of personnel

(1)The Chief Executive Officer, with the concurrence of the Board
(a)may appoint employees with appropriate expertise to assist GEP in carrying out its functions; and
(b)arrange with the national or provincial government or any other body for the services of—
(i)employees of the national or provincial government or the other body to be seconded to GEP; or
(ii)employees of GEP to be seconded to national or provincial government.
(2)Persons seconded to GEP perform their duties subject to the control and direction of the Chief Executive Officer.
(3)The Board, in consultation with the MEC, must determine the remuneration, allowances, benefits, and other terms and conditions of appointment of members of staff.
(4)GEP may contract for the services of persons, other than employees, to perform any specific act or function.

25. Delegation by Chief Executive Officer

(1)The Chief Executive Officer may delegate any responsibility or the performance of any duty conferred or imposed upon the Chief Executive Officer by this Act or delegated to the Chief Executive Officer by the Board to—
(a)any other person with appropriate knowledge and experience who is under the control of the Chief Executive Officer; or
(b)any other person, after consultation with the Board.
(2)A delegation under subsection (1) must be in writing and—
(a)may be subject to any conditions or restrictions determined by the Chief Executive Officer;
(b)does not prevent the exercise of that responsibility by the Chief Executive Officer; and
(c)may be withdrawn or amended by the Chief Executive Officer,

26. Chief Executive Officer’s disclosure of interest and conflict of interests

(1)The Chief Executive Officer must disclose to the Board any direct or indirect interest, including a potential interest, which he or she or an immediate family member, business partner, associate or previous employer has in any business that may benefit from the operations of GEP.
(2)The Chief Executive Officer must refer to the Board any matter in respect of which the Chief Executive Officer is required to make a decision or take action and where a conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest as contemplated in subsection (1) exists.
(3)The Board must determine the appropriate decision or action in respect of any matter referred to it in terms of subsection (2), and must inform the Chief Executive Officer of its determination in writing.
(4)The Chief Executive Officer must comply with the determination of the Board, contemplated in subsection (3).
(5)A failure by the Chief Executive Officer to disclose any interest contemplated in subsection (1) or any contravention of subsection (2) or (4), constitutes a sufficient reason to terminate the Chief Executive Officer’s employment in terms of section 22(3).

Chapter 5
Planning, finances and reporting

27. Financial year

The financial year of GEP begins on 1 April and ends on 31 March of the following year.

28. Funds of GEP

(1)The funds of GEP consist of—
(a)monies appropriated by the Legislature for GEP;
(b)monies accruing to GEP from any source approved by the MEC, including fees paid in terms of this Act; and
(c)monies lawfully obtained by GEP from any other source.
(2)GEP must, for the purposes of the appropriation contemplated in subsection (1)(a) at least six months before the start of the financial year, submit to the MEC a budget of estimated revenue and expenditure for that financial year.
(3)GEP must open an account with a bank registered in the Republic and approved in writing by the Provincial Treasury after compliance with prescribed tender procedures, and must deposit in that account all money referred to in subsection (1).
(4)GEP may invest any of its funds not immediately required-
(a)subject to any investment policy that may be prescribed in terms of section 7(4) of the Public Finance Management Act; and
(b)in such a manner as may be approved by the MEC.
(5)Unless prior approval of the Provincial Treasury has been obtained, GEP may not budget for a deficit or accumulate surpluses.
(6)At the close of any financial year, any surplus of income over expenditure, whether in the account referred to in subsection (3) or which has been invested under subsection (4), must be paid into the Provincial Revenue Fund.
(7)[subsection (7) deleted by section 1 of Act 1 of 2009]

29. Strategic plan

(1)Each year GEP must prepare and submit to the MEC a strategic plan for its administration covering the following financial year and the two financial years thereafter, or any other period prescribed under the Public Finance Management Act.
(2)The strategic plan must comply with any requirements prescribed under the Public Finance Management Act and must include—
(a)GEP’s priorities for the financial years to which it relates;
(b)objectives and outcomes identified by the MEC;
(c)multi-year projections of revenue and expenditure;
(d)key performance measures and indicators for assessing GEP’s performance in delivering the desired outcomes and objectives;
(e)an operational plan, a financial plan, a human resources and performance management plan; and
(f)the basis for the annual report prepared in terms of section 31(2).
(3)The MEC may request additional information to be included in the strategic plan.

30. Financial records and statements

(1)Without limiting its responsibilities in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, GEP must—
(a)keep full and proper records of all its financial affairs;
(b)prepare financial statements for each financial year in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice;
(c)submit those financial statements to the Auditor-General for auditing and to the Provincial Treasury, subject to the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act; and
(d)within five months of the end of the financial year, submit to the Provincial Treasury and the MEC the audited financial statements for that financial year together with the annual report on the activities of GEP during that financial year referred to in section 31(2).
(2)The MEC must table the report and statements referred to in subsection (1)(d) in the legislature as soon as possible.
(3)The Provincial Treasury may direct that the audited financial statements of GEP must be incorporated in the financial statements of the Department.

31. Reporting

(1)Within 30 days of the end of each quarter, or any such period as determined by the MEC from time to time, GEP must, through the Board report to the MEC on its performance in implementing the strategic plan in that quarter.
(2)Within three months of the end of every financial year, GEP must compile an annual report on its activities during that year.
(3)GEP must furnish the MEC with any other reports that the MEC may request.
(4)The annual report must include a review, called the Annual Review of Small Enterprises, which must cover issues identified by the MEC or the Head of Department, and must include—
(a)particulars of the work performed by GEP and of progress achieved in furthering the objects of the National Small Enterprise Support Strategy;
(b)summaries of any findings or recommendations in respect of legislation, proposed legislation and administrative practices which restrict the small enterprise sector;
(c)an outline of new developments and trends in regard to the small enterprise sector in the Province;
(d)reports on the growth and decline of small enterprises according to sector, size and region; and
(e)a statistical analysis of the contribution of the small enterprise sector to the economy, to export promotion, to rural development and to the level of incorporation of marginalised groups into the economy.

Chapter 6
Powers of MEC

32. Determination of guidelines

(1)The MEC may, by notice in the Provincial Gazette, publish guidelines for organs of state in provincial and local spheres of government in the Province to promote small enterprise development.
(2)The guidelines referred to in subsection (1) may include guidelines on—
(a)procedures for consultation with the Department on all proposed legislation identified by the MEC under subsection (3);
(b)the assessment of the effect and impact of legislation on small enterprises;
(c)co-ordination between organs of state in order to promote the consistent development of small enterprises;
(d)procedures for consultation with small enterprise organisations, trade unions and other representative organisations; and
(e)the review of existing legislation on the development and sustenance of small enterprises in the Province,

33. Regulations and amendment of Schedule

(1)The MEC may make regulations regarding—
(a)the criteria or procedures for appointing members of the Board and any matter related to the functioning of the Board;
(b)the design and implementation of small enterprises financial support programmes in order to—
(i)facilitate access to finance by small enterprises; and
(ii)facilitate access to finance by service providers to small enterprises;
(c)the manner in which an institution may be incorporated into GEP or any other matter related to such incorporation;
(d)the procedure for applying for financial or non-financial assistance and any matter related to such application;
(e)the procedure for the termination of membership as a Board member; and
(f)any other matter which may be necessary or expedient to prescribe for the proper implementation or administration of this Act.
(2)The MEC may, in order to achieve the objects of this Act, by notice in the Provincial Gazette amend the Schedule to account for inflation, macro-economic shifts in the economy and any other matter affecting small enterprises.

34. Designated institutions

(1)The MEC may, by notice in the Provincial Gazette and after consulting the Board, designate institutions whose objectives and functions are similar to those of GEP to be incorporated into GEP, from a date specified in the notice.
(2)Where an institution contemplated by subsection (1) is subject to the jurisdiction of an executive authority other than the MEC, the MEC may only act with the concurrence of that executive authority.
(3)The MEC must, through the media and by notice in the Provincial Gazette, publish his or her intention to designate an institution contemplated in subsection (1) and invite, and consider, public comments.
(4)After the incorporation of an institution designated in terms of subsection (1)—
(a)anything done by or on behalf of the institution is deemed to have been done by GEP; and
(b)the assets, liabilities, rights and obligations of the designated institution, including the unexpended balance of appropriations, authorisations, allocations and other funds employed, held or used in connection with the furtherance of the objectives and functions of the institution, pass to GEP.
(5)A person employed by an institution designated in subsection (1) must be transferred with effect from the specified date to GEP in accordance with—
(a)section 197 of the Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995; and
(b)any applicable collective agreement as defined in section 213 of the Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995.
(6)For the purposes of the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962, no change of employer shall be regarded as having taken place when a person contemplated in subsection (5) takes up employment at GEP.
(7)As soon as practical, after the incorporation of an institution in terms of subsection (1)—
(a)the MEC, or the executive authority of the designated institution, must take ail steps necessary to liquidate the institution; and
(b)the Registrar of Companies, the Master of the High Court or any other applicable regulatory body must take the necessary steps to deregister the institution.

Chapter 7
General provisions

35. Restriction of use of name

(1)A person may not—
(a)conduct any business, occupation or trade or be registered or licensed under any law under a name containing the words “Gauteng Enterprise Propeller”, the abbreviation “GEP” or a translation of those words in any official language; or
(b)falsely claim to be acting for, GEP.
(2)Any person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years, or to both a fine and such imprisonment.

36. Confidentiality

(1)Any person who discloses any information that they acquired in the performance of a function in terms of this Act commits an offence.
(2)Subsection (1) does not apply if the information—
(a)was already in the public domain;
(b)was disclosed to enable a person to perform a function in terms of this Act; and
(c)was disclosed in terms of this Act, any other law or an order of court.
(3)Any contravention of subsection (1) constitutes misconduct and if the person who contravenes it—
(a)is a Board member, they may be dealt with in terms of section 8(3); and
(b)is an employee, they may be liable to disciplinary action, including dismissal in terms of GEP’s disciplinary procedures.

37. Transitional provisions

(1)For the purposes of this section, but subject to this Act, the “Gauteng Enterprise Propeller”, a company incorporated under section 21 of the Companies Act, 61 of 1973, and with the registration number 2004/031868/08 is deemed to be GEP as contemplated in section (2) of this Act.
(2)The Board of “Gauteng Enterprise Propeller” incorporated under section 21 of the Companies Act, 1973 is deemed to be the Board contemplated in section 7 of this Act and serves for the unexpired portion of the period for which it was appointed by the MEC prior to the coming into operation of this Act.
(3)The MEC must take all steps necessary to ensure that GEP ceases to be a company incorporated under section 21 of the Companies Act, 61 of 1973 and is listed as a provincial public entity contemplated in section 3(1) of this Act.
(4)Within six months of the commencement of this Act, Gauteng Manufacturing Advisory Centre (GAUMAC) must dissolve in terms of applicable legislation, and its assets be transferred to GEP.
(5)Arising out of the listing and subject to the provisions of section 21 of the Companies Act, 1973 (Act No. 61 of 1973), the public entity GEP must take transfer of the personnel and assets, and further, assume the liabilities, rights and obligations of GEP in its current form.[subsection (5) inserted by section 2 of Act 1 of 2009]

38. Short title and commencement

This Act is called the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller Act, 2005, and comes into operation on a date fixed by the Premier by proclamation in the Provincial Gazette.

Schedule

(See definition of “small enterprise” in section 1)
Column 1Column 2Column 3Column 4Column 5
Sector or subsector in accordance with the Standard Industrial ClassificationSize of classThe total full-time equivalent of paid employeesTotal turnoverTotal gross asset value (fixed property excluded)
AgricultureMedium100R5mR5m
 Small50R3mR3m
 Very Small10R0,50mR0,50m
Mining and QuarryingMedium200R39mR23m
 Small50R10mR6m
 Very Small20R4mR2m
 Micro5R0,20mR0,10m
ManufacturingMedium200R51mR19m
 Small50R13mR5m
 Very Small20R5mR2m
 Micro5R0,20mR0,10m
Electricity Gas and WaterMedium200R51mR19m
 Small50R13mR5m
 Very Small20R5,10mR1,90m
 Micro5R0,20mR0,10m
ConstructionMedium200R26mR5m
 Small50R6mR1m
 Very Small20R3mR0,50m
 Micro5R0,20mRo,10m
Retail and Motor Trade and Repair ServicesMedium200R39mR6m
 Small50R19mR3m
 Very Small20R4mR0,60m
 Micro5R0,20mR0,10m
Wholesale Trade, Commercial Agents and Allied ServicesMedium200R64mR10m
 Small50R32mR5m
 Very Small20R6mR0,60m
 Micro5R0,20mR0,10m
Catering, Accommodation and other TradeMedium200R13mR3m
 Small50R6mR1m
 Very Small20R5,10mR1,90m
 Micro5R0,20mR0,10m
Storage and CommunicationMedium200R26mR6m
 Small50R13mR3m
 Very Small20R3mR0,60m
 Micro5R0,20mR5m
Finance and Business ServicesMedium200R26mR5m
 Small50R13mR3m
 Very Small20R3mR0,50m
 Micro5R0,20mR0,10m
Community, Social and Personal ServicesMedium100R13mR6m
 Small50R6mR3m
 Very Small20R1mR0,60m
 Micro5R0,20mR0,10m
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History of this document

09 April 2009 this version
19 January 2006
Assented to

Cited documents 4

Act 4
1. Public Finance Management Act, 1999 2237 citations
2. Labour Relations Act, 1995 1981 citations
3. Income Tax Act, 1962 1628 citations
4. Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 601 citations

Documents citing this one 1

Act 1
1. Gauteng Township Economic Development Act, 2022