A total of 25 183 businesses came into being during the financial year ended February 28 2005, says Minister of Finance Trevor Manuel.
Manuel was responding to a question from National Council of Provinces African National Congress member T Ralane about how many businesses had been formed up to the latest specified date for which information was available.
Manuel said that during the same period — March 1 2004 to February 28 this year — 3 449 businesses were liquidated.
“This information is derived from the South African Revenue Services [Sars] income-tax register.”
Asked what improvements can be expected with regard to the new business register that is kept by Statistics South Africa, he said: “In the short term, the number of employees given to Sars in terms of Paye and skills development levy will be added to the business register as of April 2005.
“This, together with turnover, will form an important and key indicator on the measure of size for the efficient and optimal design of economic surveys,” Manuel said in a written reply issued on Thursday.
“In the long term, the introduction of a unique and mandatory business identifier for all business entities will ensure a sound frame to underpin South Africa’s economic statistics.
“This can only be achieved if any amendment to the current company law is introduced. Stats SA is in discussion with the Department of Trade and Industry in this regard.” — I-Net Bridge