| Overview : Micro and informal businesses in South Africa were in a disadvantageous position even before the Covid-19 pandemic. The people who rely on the micro and informal business for their livelihoods are made more vulnerable by the pandemic and associated lockdown measures. Women are disproportionality affected, as they already experience lower annual rates of turnover compared to me. Support to those businesses is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDGs 8 (inclusive growth and employment), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), SDG 5 (gender equality) and SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDGs 11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG 4 (lifelong education) and SDGs 6 (Water and Sanitation). Committed to the principle of leaving no one behind, UNDP South Africa, in partnership with the Department of Small Business Development, will conduct a rapid assessment of the impacts of Covid-19 on the sector of micro and informal business and design targeted and effective interventions, such as the recent partnership with SALGA to invite SMMEs to apply for funding to manufacture fabric face masks and other PPEs, to turn around the situation of the vulnerable businesses for both the short and long term. It is in this regard that service are reuired to develop immediate response mechanisms and tools to supplement and contribute to government’s efforts of supporting informal and micro businesses. (detailed terms of references can be found to this notice) |
