Cutting red tape generates R1bn in savings

The Western Cape Red Tape Reduction Unit has generated savings and benefits of more than R1 billion since 2015. According to Minister of Economic Opportunities, Beverley Schäfer, impact assessments were done for 27 red tape reduction interventions indicating
savings of more than  R1 billion. “When we established the Red Tape Reduction Unit it was with a view to solving the problems that make it difficult for businesses to grow their operations, and creating an environment in which new investors would want to invest. These savings
are an indication that we are serious about growing our economy and creating jobs.” She said the 27 interventions selected for assessment represented a sample of the efforts by provincial and local government in the Western Cape to reduce red tape, but were by no means a
comprehensive list of all public-sector initiatives in the province that contributed to red-tape reduction. Notable successes for the unit include the initiatives of the Department of Transport and Public Works to expedite the processing of abnormal load permits
and their advocacy to obtain temporary relief relating to the transport of freight in high cube containers in the province. Schäfer said the unit was currently investigating improvements in businessfacing services, in line with the opportunities presented by the digital economy.