SMME development in the ICT sector

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[29 May 2026]

A official presidential proclamation has set May 27, 2026, as the effective date for updated thresholds categorizing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

These updated metrics are established under the Final Regulations of the National Small Business Act. This update marks a significant milestone, as the official classification limits have remained unchanged since 1996.

The newly instituted benchmarks for businesses operating within the transport, storage, and communication industries are detailed below:

Industry SectorEnterprise ClassificationFull-Time Paid Employees (Equivalent)Maximum Total Turnover
Transport, Storage & CommunicationsMedium51 to 250R300 million
Small11 to 50R80 million
Micro0 to 10R15 million

[28 May 2018]

Launched in South Africa, the ICT SMME Development Strategy provides a roadmap for fostering the growth of small and medium businesses in the information and communication technology sector. It defines the government’s vision for the industry up to 2020 and outlines the specific policies and support mechanisms needed to achieve that vision.

Final ICT SMME Development Strategy

[2 April 2017]

The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) is seeking public input on its draft strategy to support Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

The Draft ICT SMME Support Strategy outlines how the government plans to help ICT businesses grow and thrive.

The DTPS encourages everyone to share their feedback on the draft strategy.

  • Deadline: April 30, 2017
  • Email: ictsmmestrategy@dtps.gov.za
  • Attention: Mr. Charles Mabuza, Director: ICT Policy Implementation

Draft ICT SMME Support Strategy 31 March 2017

[10 March 2015]

The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) informs you that the two-day ICT SMME workshop has been rescheduled.

  • New Dates:
    • Monday, March 23rd, 2015
    • Tuesday, March 24th, 2015
  • Location: Birchwood Conference Centre, Boksburg-Johannesburg (unchanged)

Those interested in attending the rescheduled workshop should email a confirmation slip to ictsmmes@dtps.gov.za.

[3 December 2014]

The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) has advised that the previously scheduled ICT SMMEs workshop has been postponed.

The postponement was due to the extension of the Parliamentary programme by a week, thereby ruling our political principals out for the workshop.    With no other date available before the festive break, and given the importance of having this project led by the political principals as a priority of government,  it was logical to postpone the workshop to early next year (2015).  The exact date will be communicated in due course. 

[16 November 2014]

The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) is hosting a two-day workshop in Johannesburg on December 10th and 11th, 2014, specifically for stakeholders in the ICT Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) sector.

Understanding the Needs of ICT SMMEs

This workshop follows the DTPS’s information request aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of ICT SMMEs in South Africa. They aim to move beyond a general understanding of SMMEs to identify the unique challenges and opportunities faced by businesses within the ICT sector. This will allow them to develop targeted interventions for maximum impact.

Workshop Goals

  • Baseline Report: The DTPS wants to create a report that serves as a foundation for future development initiatives.
  • Enhanced Participation: The workshop seeks to identify ways to empower ICT SMMEs to participate more fully across the entire ICT value chain.
  • Sustainable Support: The DTPS aims to develop specific support mechanisms that ensure the long-term viability of ICT SMMEs.

Workshop Discussion Topics

  • Overview of ICT SMMEs in South Africa
  • New and emerging opportunities for ICT SMMEs
  • Institutional structures and support measures

Workshop Details

  • Dates: December 10th & 11th, 2014
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
  • Location: Birchwood Conference Centre, Gauteng

RSVP

To register for the workshop, please contact Ms. Wendy Jacobie at 012 427 8541 or wjacobie@dtps.gov.za.

[30 July 2014]

To develop and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services gazetted a request for information.

Request for Information: ICT SMMEs

Deadline: All responses must be submitted by August 29th, 2014.

Submission Method:

  • Electronically:

    • Email your response to ictsmmes@doc.gov.za.

    • Recipient: The Director-General, Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services
    • Attention: Dr. Mashilo Boloka, Director: Broadcasting Industrial Development, SOEs Oversight and Enterprise

  • By Mail:

    • Recipient: The Director-General, Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services
    • Attention: Dr. Mashilo Boloka, Director: Broadcasting Industrial Development, SOEs Oversight and Enterprise
    • Address: Block A3, iParioli Office Park, 1166 Park Street, Hatfield, Private Bag X860, Pretoria
    • Phone: 012 427 8055/8293
    • Fax: 086 550 7525

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